Practice finding the perimeter and area of different squares and rectangles by completing 12 mini puzzles in three differentiation levels.
Take Sides in Your Area and Perimeter Lessons!
If you need a way to make your area and perimeter lessons really stick, take calculations further with this interactive puzzle activity.
To play, students will choose the rectangle or square puzzle pieces. Then they determine the perimeter and area of the shapes and find the answers on the matching pieces to complete the puzzles.
Through this mathematics activity, students will show they can calculate the area and perimeter of squares and rectangles with given whole number dimensions using the corresponding formulas.
Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding
A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource for students to work on independently.
We’ve designed this activity with differentiated versions to accommodate individual students’ abilities. Puzzle colors (Google Slides) or shapes in the top left corner of the page (PDF) identify the three versions as follows:
- Blue/Triangle – on level
- Green/Square – above level
- Yellow/Circle – below level
In addition to individual student work time, use this measurement activity to enhance learning through guided math groups, whole class lessons, or remote learning assignments. Check out these suggestions for explaining your lessons!
🪜Scaffolding This Activity
Support struggling students by focusing on either perimeter or area, not both. Refer students to posters or anchor charts for a visual reminder of how to calculate perimeter and area for each shape. Challenge students to create their own puzzles and give them to a partner to put together.
🧠 Independent Practice
Download the PDF version for a hands-on exercise. Print pages on cardstock and cut out the pieces. Students can assemble the puzzles at their desks, or in a math center, 1:1 intervention, or small group setting.
💻 Remote Teaching
With an interactive Google Slides version of this resource, no student has to miss out on the fun! Simply use Google Classroom to share the appropriately leveled version with your students so they can find the perimeters and areas for each shape from the comfort of their home learning area! (Users must be in Edit mode to play digitally.)
🧑🏫 Group Learning
Project the slides onto a screen and work through them as a class by having students record their answers in their notebooks or mini whiteboards.
Get our 10 Best Scaffolding Strategies here!
Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students
Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource:
Google Slides—download and you are ready to go (be sure to open in Edit mode, not Presentation mode).
PDF—print on cardstock (optional: use different colors for different levels), cut out, and place pieces into an accessible container.
Assign interactive slides in Google Classroom for in-class and remote learning. Students click/drag/drop pieces into place to complete each shape’s perimeter and area solutions.
Alternatively, use this activity for your:
- Math center
- End of the day wrap-ups
- Fast finisher activities
- Homework assignments
- Math lesson warm-ups
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