Channeling the inquisitive nature of rats to explore area and perimeter
Meets the learning standards for grades 4-5 (can be adapted)
Media Type: drawing
Formal Lesson Plan and TEKS Information
Materials: writing materials, paper or canvas, ruler, colors/color pencils, graph paper (https://free-printable-paper.com/graph-paper/)
We were inspired by our friends Butters and Percy at River Bend Nature Center to create a lesson about rats!
Want to know more? Study this Nat Geo Kids article with even more info about rats.
Area & Perimeter:
Time for a video about area and perimeter!
After watching, can you explain the difference between Area and Perimeter and how to calculate them?
- Grab or print some graph paper and a ruler. Use the graph paper to design a large, block letter of your choice.
- Next, calculate the perimeter of your letter. Next calculate the area of your letter, using the ruler and the grid of the graph paper. Discuss!
Activity:
Now, let’s get creative! Recreate your large block letter on a blank piece of paper. Imagine the interior of the letter is a maze, a pipe system, or a small crawlspace. Would the letter make a nice environment for rats to live and play?
Find pictures of rats for reference. Here are some other great resources:
Rat Body Language
Rat Tutorial
Take your time and really fill the area with your rat drawings.
When you’re finished, color or other embellishments can be added. Gorgeous!
Closing:
How do area and perimeter contribute to artistic design? How did the playful and inquisitive nature of rats inform your creative lettering?