TEKS 3.6C: Area Using Multiplication
Area of Rectangles Using Unit Squares
About this lesson
Learning Target: I can find the area of rectangles by multiplying the number of unit squares in a row by the number of rows.
Focuses On:
- Using unit squares to count rows and columns to determine the area of a rectangle
- Using the equation: Number of Rows x Number of Squares in Each Row to find Area
Builds On:
2.9F:
Use concrete models of square units to find the area of a rectangle by covering it with no gaps or overlaps, counting to find the total number of square units, and describing the measurement using a number and the unit
Next Level:
4.4C:
Represent the product of 2 two-digit numbers using arrays, area models, or equations, including perfect squares through 15 by 15
4.5D:
Solve problems related to perimeter and area of rectangles where dimensions are whole numbers
Read More:
This lesson is designed to support student understanding of finding the area of a rectangle by using unit squares within a model.
The three instructional blocks focus on the area model, the partial area model and grid models.
The first instructional block uses rectangular models with square units in order to visually represent the number of rows and the number of units in each row in order to find area.
The second instructional block transitions to partial area models in order to create less of a scaffold while still providing a visual representation of the rows and columns.
The third instructional block has students finding the area of rectangles that are placed on a grid model. This is another opportunity for students to think flexibly about how to find the area of a rectangle when they see the shape in this context.
Visual models of shapes and pictorial representations are integrated throughout the lesson in order to support student understanding.
Grade 3MathTEKS 3.6CArea of Rectangles
About this lesson
Learning Target: I can find the area of rectangles by multiplying the number of unit squares (length) in a row by the number of rows (width).
Focuses On:
- Using the equation: Number of Rows x Number of Squares in Each Row = Area
Builds On:
2.9F:
Use concrete models of square units to find the area of a rectangle by covering it with no gaps or overlaps, counting to find the total number of square units, and describing the measurement using a number and the unit
Next Level:
4.4C:
Represent the product of 2 two-digit numbers using arrays, area models, or equations, including perfect squares through 15 by 15
4.5D:
Solve problems related to perimeter and area of rectangles where dimensions are whole numbers
Read More:
This lesson is designed to transition student thinking from seeing a full model with unit squares to understanding the number of squares in a row x the number of rows equals the area of a rectangle. It moves away from using models and works through word problems giving the required information to solve the problem.
The three instructional blocks focus area equations, area word problems, and dimensions.
The first instructional block focuses on finding the area of rectangles by moving beyond the method of counting every square. There are less models integrated into this instructional block as a way to move students toward using the equation to find area.
The second instructional block transitions to word problems involving area. Students will practice using the area equation to answer real-world problems.
The third instructional block has students identify the dimensions of rectangles that are presented as visual models and in the context of a word problem.
Visual models of shapes and pictorial representations are integrated throughout the lesson in order to support student understanding.
Grade 3MathTEKS 3.6C