Year 6 - Maths
Reason about shapes using the relationship between side lengths and area and perimeter
Draw, compose and decompose shapes
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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 use knowledge of shape properties to draw, sketch and identify shapes.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to reason about shapes using the relationship between side lengths and area and perimeter.
Key Notes
- Area and perimeter are calculated from the side lengths of 2D shapes.
- Area is measured in square units.
- Perimeter is measured in units of length.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Area: Area is the measurement of a flat surface and measures 2D space.
- Perimeter: The distance around a 2D shape is its perimeter.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Area and perimeter are easily confused. In this lesson, both concepts are explored, often at the same time.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Area and perimeter are calculated from the side lengths of 2D shapes. Area is measured in square units.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Area'
Area is the measurement of a flat surface and measures 2D space. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Area and perimeter are easily confused. In this lesson, both concepts are explored, often at the same time. Correction: Use your knowledge of the pupils' attainment (including using the Starter Quiz) to see which pupils are confusing the terms. All pupils will benefit from access to a working wall which gives a clear reminder of which is which.
More Lessons In This Unit
- 3D shapes can be composed from 2D nets Study Guide
- Any parallelogram can be decomposed and the parts rearranged to form a rectangular parallelogram Study Guide
- Reason about compound shapes using the relationship between side lengths and area and perimeter Study Guide
- Shapes with the same areas can have different perimeters and vice versa Study Guide
- The same 3D shapes can be composed from different 2D nets Study Guide
- Two congruent triangles can be arranged to compose a parallelogram Study Guide
- Use knowledge of shape properties to draw shapes accurately using rulers and protractors Study Guide
- Use knowledge of shape properties to sketch and identify shapes Study Guide
- When a 2D shape is decomposed and the parts rearranged, the areas remains the same Study Guide
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