Peanut Perimeters- Free Lesson

We'll use peanuts as our visual to count and determine the perimeter of shapes.

The students will determine the perimeter of shapes by counting the number of peanuts that make up the length and width of the shapes’ sides.

About 30 Peanuts (still in the shell) for each pair of students.

*Make sure there are no peanut allergies if you chose to do this activity! Of course, peanuts can be substituted for any small manipulative. Other foods to try could be blueberries, sting beans, peas, cranberries, grapes etc.

1. Divide students into pairs. Give each pair of students about 30 peanuts.

2. Begin by having students create a square, where all four sides of the square have an equal amount of peanuts. Each peanut pod represents one unit of measurement of length. Have students count the total number of peanuts they used to make the square. This is the perimeter of their square.

3. Have students create other shapes using their peanuts such as rectangles and triangles. Have students count how many peanuts make each side and then add each side together to find the perimeter of their shape.

4. Challenge students by giving them the perimeter of a certain shape and have them figure out the length of each side by using the peanuts as a visual.

Review with students the formula for finding out the perimeter of shapes. Example: Rectangle P=2L+2W.  Discuss the healthy benefits of peanuts.  Allow students to crack open the shells and snack on the peanuts.