Mathematics / Year 4 / Measurement and Geometry / Shape

Curriculum content descriptions

Compare the areas of regular and irregular shapes by informal means (ACMMG087)

Elaborations
  • comparing areas using metric units, such as counting the number of square centimetres required to cover two areas by overlaying the areas with a grid of centimetre squares
General capabilities
  • Numeracy Numeracy
ScOT terms

Area,  Irregular polygons

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Video

Exploring mysterious shapes

Join QuanQuan and Jenny as they explore some weird and wonderful shapes! While watching this clip, think about the sides, edges, surfaces and volumes of the shapes that are demonstrated. How are these shapes different from regular 2D and 3D forms?

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Sizing Them Up

This resource is a web page containing a short task to explore area of irregular shapes by informal means. Arrange irregular shapes in size order smallest to largest. This resource is an activity from the NRICH website.

Interactive

Finding the area of compound shapes

Find the area of compound shapes based on rectangles on a grid. Explore how the formula works for finding a rectangle's area. First, estimate the area of a compound shape based on rectangles on a grid. Second, work out the correct formula for finding area by placing rows and columns of squares inside two rectangles. Then, ...

Online

reSolve: Authentic Problems: Expanded Square

This sequence of four lessons explores concepts around informal area and symmetry. Students design an 'expanded square' where approximately half the area of the original square is flipped to the outside. The lessons provide opportunities for students to devise and use methods to informally measure area, record their mathematical ...

Interactive

Introduction to polygons

Try this tutorial to test your knowledge of polygons (straight-sided shapes).

Video

Fun with fractals

Do you know how to recognise a fractal? Watch this video to find out! What are the examples given of fractals found in nature? Can you think of any others? Why not have a go at doing your own drawing of the Sierpinski Triangle?

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Mixed Up Maths, Ep 13: Shapes glorious shapes

Did you know that not all pyramids have a square base? Investigate the bases and faces of some pyramids. Travel around the world as we view some famous structures. First stop, we're in search of a building that is a rectangular prism. Find out which world famous building is a pentagonal prism. See what type of 3 dimensional ...

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For the Juniors: Drawing a floor plan

How do we know what a house will look like before it is built? Discover how house plans work by looking at the design of a house that Hugo's family is going to build. See how a floor plan shows the room layout. See drawings of what the house will look like from different views.

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What is a fractal?

Do you know what a fractal is? Basically, fractals are never-ending patterns created by repeated mathematical equations. In this clip, Yuliya, a student at MIT (in the USA) describes the properties of fractals and shows you where they can be found in technology and nature. Have a good look at the world around you and see ...

Online

reSolve: Geometry: Trapezium Pieces

This lesson explores different shapes that can be formed by cutting a trapezium in two with one straight line. Students are challenged to classify and name the shapes that are made, and justify their classifications based on the definitions and properties of shapes. The lesson is outlined in detail including curriculum ...

Interactive

Area explorer

This is an interactive resource about calculating the area of a shape presented on a grid. Students are presented with a random figure and are required to calculate its area, in square units. Immediate feedback is provided and the student can make repeated attempts if a question is not answered correctly. The additional ...

Online

reSolve: Algebra: Triangle Inequality

This sequence of two lessons explores the triangle inequality theorem. Students are challenged to construct triangles with a given number of matchsticks, explore and record what combinations of sticks can create valid triangles and represent their findings using mathematical expressions. Each lesson is outlined in detail ...

Interactive

Sites2See – measurement for primary

Selected links to a range of interactive and print resources for Measurement topics in K-6 Mathematics.

Video

MathXplosion, Ep 45: How to make an origami frog

Origami folds have associated geometric patterns or "paper trails" in which we are able to visualise different types of triangles, angles, polygons, lines and symmetry. Use these patterns to turn a two-dimensional flat sheet of paper into a three-dimensional hopping frog!

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MathXplosion, Ep 4: Tessellation tricks

Learn how two shapes from a repeating tile cause a pattern to undergo a metamorphosis. Create the illusion of one animal slowly transforming into another, line by line. Is it a bird? Is it a fish?