TEKS 3.6D: Composite Figure Area
Area of Composite Figures
About this lesson
Learning Target: I can find the area of a composite figure by decomposing the composite figure into rectangles.
Focuses On:
- Decomposing a composite figure into two distinct rectangles in order to calculate the area
- Learning where to partition a composite figure
Builds On:
A direct correlation between 3.6D and a 2nd grade standard cannot be made. Standard 2.9F is the closest connection where students learn about tiling a shape.
Next Level:
A direct correlation cannot be made to a 4th grade standard. 3.6D supports student understanding for additive area concepts in upper grades.
Read More:
This lesson is designed to help students understand composite figures are made of two or more figures. It helps students understand a large problem can be broken into smaller problems to solve together.
The three instructional blocks focus on the area model, the partial area model and grid models.
The first instructional block has students decompose composite figures into two distinct rectangles. The shapes in this instructional block are comprised of square units in order for students to visualize how to find the area of rectangles.
The second instructional block transitions to partial area models of composite figures 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 composite figures that are placed on a grid model. This is another opportunity for students to think flexibly about how to find the area of a composite figure 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 3.6D