1. My Square Meter Investigation
The Task:
I was asked to make a 1m2 square using newspaper, scissors, tape,
measuring tape and rulers. Then, I needed to change the perimeter of
the shape, but keep the area the same. This is calledconservation of
area.
It was a fun investigation because we did math problems using
recycled items.It was challenging for me because it was hard trying to
get the newspaper to be exactly the same as 1m. I had to be very
careful with my measurements.
Original Shape:
The dimensions of my shape were 1m x
1m, or 100cm by 100cm. This shape was a
square. It had an area of 1 m2 or 10,000
cm2. It had a perimeter of 400 cm or 4 m.
New Shape:
My new shape was an octagon. The area of my new shape
was still 1m2 or 10,000cm2. I know this because we only
changed the perimeter of the square and we kept the area of
the newspaper the same. The perimeter of my new shape
isgreater than the original. It is 1595cm or 15.95m. I
worked this out by measuring all the sides recording them
and after counting all the sides, I added all the sides
together.I think the new perimeter is greater because the
new shape has more side length.
Reflection:
During this investigation, I learned that we can change a
shape into something that looks completely different but
the areacan be the same.I enjoyed making the new shape
because I usually can’t come up with creative ideas. I still
have questions about why the area won’t change when we
make a shape becomes another shape. I would like to
investigate fractions next.