Lesson 7

The purpose of this lesson is for students to learn about square feet and square meters, and consider when these larger units can be helpful to measure area.

In a previous lesson, students learned about the difference between square inches and square centimeters. In this lesson, students work with square feet and square meters, building on their work with feet and meters in grade 2. Students consider different areas in real-world situations and choose a square unit that would be the most useful to measure each given area.

• Optional: Create square foot and square meter units made from rulers, meter sticks, and rubber bands.

• Gather examples of a square centimeter and a square inch from a previous lesson, and examples of a square meter and a square foot from the previous activity.

In what ways can you connect the math in today’s lesson to student’s lived experience? Consider interviewing student’s family or community members to find out how they use area in their daily lives.