Year 5 - Maths
Explain what area is
Understand the concept of area
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will explain what area is and measure using counting as a strategy. They will make different shapes with the same area and compare the area of different shapes.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain what area is.
Key Notes
- Some shapes are better than others to cover the surface and count the area.
- The surface of the shape must be covered with no gaps or overlaps; the unit used must tessellate.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Polygon: A two-dimensional shape made up of three or more straight lines.
- Tessellate: A shape tessellates if copies of it can fully cover a space without overlapping.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may well have had recent experience of perimeter. Perimeter and area are easily confused.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Some shapes are better than others to cover the surface and count the area. The surface of the shape must be covered with no gaps or overlaps; the unit used must tessellate.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Polygon'
A two-dimensional shape made up of three or more straight lines. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Pupils may well have had recent experience of perimeter. Perimeter and area are easily confused. Correction: Remind pupils that running their finger around a 2D shape will give the perimeter. Running it inside the shape will give the area.
More Lessons In This Unit
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