Introduction

This WebQuest begins by using classroom textbooks and a mathematical program entitled StudyWorks in order to define and practice perimeter and area. Then, you will use the Internet to begin your understanding of how perimeter and area are related to each other and utilized in different vocations. Next, you will experience practical vocational applications of perimeter and area by conducting measurements of your own classroom. The project will conclude with a writing assignment about how perimeter and area are used in other vocations. We hope that you will enjoy this activity as well as gain a deeper understanding of how perimeter and area are calculated and used in a wide variety of vocations.

There will be a variety of tasks you will perform, including:

• Defining perimeter and area
• Using StudyWorks
• Practicing problems involving perimeter and area
• Performing practice applications from the Internet
• Performing practice applications involving your classroom
• Gathering information off the Internet concerning a vocation of personal interest
• Writing a 3-paragragh paper involving the nature of the vocation, the salary expectations, and how this vocation incorporates perimeter and area

 

There are a number of places you can go to gather the information you need including: 

1.) StudyWorks - a math program which enables you to define mathematical terms, practice math skills, and explore a variety of mathematical skills

2.) http://www.kings.k12.ca.us/~score/merced98/olga/measurement.html - a web site entitled "Laying Down Tiles" which allows you an opportunity to explore vocations which use perimeter, area, and volume

3.) http://math.nmsu.edu/morandi/math112/PerimeterAndArea.html - a web site entitled "Perimeter and Area" which has you to explore the relationship between perimeter and area in rectangles

4.) http://scrtec.org/track/tracks/f00039.html - a web site entitled "1998-99 Occupational Outlook Handbook" which allows you to find out information about different vocations including job descriptions and salary information.

1.) Go to your assigned lab group

2.) Using your textbook and/or a dictionary write a definition for perimeter and area.

3.) Open StudyWorks on the hard drive. Click on "Library" then select "Geometry". Open "Finding Perimeters and Areas" from the practice problems section. Scroll down and work problems 4, 5, and 6.

4.) Read through the website entitled "Perimeter and Area". Conduct the experiment described.

5.) Open the website entitled "Laying Down Tiles". Then open the perimeter tutorial. Click on "student page" and then scroll down to Activity 2. Conduct Activity 2.

6.) Using the dimensions of your classroom, calculate how many feet of wallpaper border you would need to go around the entire room. If one foot costs $1.14, how much would it cost to purchase enough border?

7.) Using the dimensions of the room, calculate how many square feet of carpeting you would need to cover the floor. Convert your answer to square yards (Remember to divide by 9, not 3). Determine the cost of the carpet if it sells for $12.95 per square yard.

8.) Approximate the cost for wallpapering and carpeting all the classrooms on your hall.

9.) Each group member selects a vocation of interest which involves perimeter and/or area using the "1998-1999 Occupational Outlook Handbook". After opening the website, select "Index to the Handbook". Select the first letter of the vocation you are interested in examining. Select your career of choice. Read through the "Nature of the Work" and the section on earnings.

10.) From the information gathered compose a 3-paragraph paper including the nature of the work, the salary expectations, and how this vocation incorporates perimeter and/or area.

At the conclusion of the project you will be evaluated on an individual basis. Your grade will be based on the criterion in the rubric provided.

This unit is an exciting way to merge perimeter and area with vocations through the implementation of technology. If you found this WebQuest especially interesting, you may wish to challenge yourself for fun. Click on "Decorating Your House" for an in-depth look into this fascinating topic. By allowing you to expand your horizons into the world wide web, you are given the opportunity to explore geometric concepts in a real world environment; thus answering the age old question, "When are we ever going to use this?".