Perimeter of rectangles

In this lesson for grade seven, students practice measuring perimeter and discuss careers in which calculations of perimeter are important.

A lesson plan for grade 7 Mathematics

By Peggy Dickey and Barbara Turner · Adapted by Sharon Abell

Provided by CareerStart

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CareerStart lessons: Grade seven

This collection of lessons aligns the seventh grade curriculum in math, science, English language arts, and social studies with potential career opportunities.

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Related topics

• Learn more about careers, mathematics, and perimeter.

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Learning outcomes

Students will gain an understanding of how to measure the perimeter of a rectangle and will learn some real-world applications for that skill.

Teacher preparation

Time required for lesson

Approximately 55 minutes

Materials needed

• Student handouts:
  • KWL chart
  • Blank graph paper
  • Perimeter worksheet
  • Extra-credit parent activity sheet (optional)
• Perimeter worksheet and blank graph paper copied as transparencies
• Overhead projector and pens
• Computer with projector and internet access to access the Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Optional: If you don’t have access to a computer and projector, you may print overviews of the careers discussed in this lesson and hand them out to students.
• Answer key for perimeter worksheet
• Calculators (optional)

Activities

1. Hand out the KWL chart and ask students what they know and what they want to know about fencing in a yard. (10 minutes)
2. Ask students what type of measurement is used in fencing in a plot of land.
3. Using the graph paper, have students suggest possible dimensions (length and width) of a yard if the perimeter is 24 ft., 48 ft., or 72 ft. (Tell the students that each square on the graph paper represents one foot.) Have students come up to the overhead and draw examples of each perimeter.
4. Independent Practice: Hand out the perimeter worksheet and have students complete it. (15 minutes)
5. Use the questions on the worksheet as a springboard to start a class discussion about careers in which people use perimeter. Access the linked information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook about the following careers in which perimeter is important, and discuss key points with students:
   • Construction
   • Landscape Architects
   • Architects
6. After you collect the worksheets, complete the “Learned” part of the KWL chart for students to see the next day.
7. As extra credit, tell students they may complete the parent activity sheet (included) for homework. (Note: Students may need a few days of turnaround time because parent involvement is needed.)