Perimeter Games

What Is Perimeter?

Perimeter is the measurement of the distance around the outer boundary of a closed two-dimensional shape. In simpler terms, it's like tracing the shape's outline with a measuring tape. To find the perimeter, add up the lengths of all sides of the shape.

Real-life Example: Imagine you have a rectangular garden in your backyard. The length of one side of the garden is 10 meters, and the width is 6 meters. To find the perimeter of the garden, add up the lengths of all sides:

Perimeter = 10 meters + 6 meters + 10 meters + 6 meters = 32 meters

This measurement is useful when planning to install a fence around the garden to know how much fencing material is required.

Perimeter of Different Shapes

Let’s discuss perimeter formulas for different shapes. Before we begin, check out these online perimeter games - Perimeter of Shapes Games to explore perimeter games for kids.

Perimeter of Square

A square is a quadrilateral with four equal sides and four right angles. Perimeter of a square can be calculated by adding the length of all four sides. You can also calculate the perimeter by multiplying the length of the side by 4.

Perimeter of a square = Side +  Side + Side + Side \(= 4 \times\; \) Side

Perimeter of Rectangle

A rectangle is a quadrilateral with four right angles. Its longest side measurement is called the length, and the shorter side perpendicular to the length is called its width.

Perimeter of a rectangle = Length + Length + Width + Width = 2 (Length + Width)

Perimeter of Triangle

Perimeter of a triangle is simply the total length of all three sides. 

Perimeter of a triangle = Sum of lengths of three sides

The standard formula for finding the perimeter of a triangle remains consistent, regardless of the type of triangle. However, variations in the formula can be made by considering the specific attributes of different types of triangles. 

• Isosceles Triangle: In an isosceles triangle, two sides are of equal length, and the third side is the base.

Perimeter of an isosceles triangle \(= (2\; \times\) Length of equal sides) + Length of the base

• Equilateral triangle: In an equilateral triangle, all sides are equal.

Perimeter of an equilateral triangle \(= \times 3\)  Length of one side

Perimeter of a Circle (Circumference of a Circle)

Perimeter of a circle, also known as the circumference of a circle, is the total length of its boundary. 

Circumference of a circle \(= \pi 2r\)

where

 is a mathematical constant, approximately equal to 3.14 or \(\frac{22}{7}\),

r is the radius of circle

i) Circumference of a semicircle: A semicircle is composed of half the perimeter of a full circle and the length of its diameter.

Circumference of a semicircle \(= \pi r + d\) 

ii)  Circumference of a quarter circle: A quarter circle is composed of one-fourth the perimeter of a full circle and two radii.

Circumference of a semicircle \(= \frac{\pi r}{2} + 2r  = \frac{\pi r}{2} + d \)

How To Find Perimeter Using Unit Squares

Here’s how to calculate perimeter of shapes using unit squares:

• Count the number of unit squares along each side of the shape.
• Add the counts of all sides to get the perimeter.

(For irregular shapes, break them into smaller recognizable shapes and calculate the perimeter for each part, then sum them up.)

• Use the formula: Perimeter = Sum of all side lengths.

Check out this Perimeter of Shapes with Unit Squares Game for hands-on practice of these steps.

Perimeter Game with Grid Paper:

This is a fun perimeter game to introduce to children.

• Provide children with 1 cm grid papers for math puzzles.
• Instruct children to draw dining tables with seats for 22 guests.
• Ask how many such dining tables are possible.
• Have children calculate the area of each dining table.
• Focus on clearing the misconception that rectangles with different areas have different perimeters.
• Challenge children to find the largest and smallest possible dining tables accommodating 22 guests.

How Can Children Use the Concept of Perimeter in Real Life?

• Fencing a Garden: Kids can use the concept of perimeter to determine the amount of fencing needed to enclose a garden or backyard.
• Lacing a Frame: Kids can use the concept of perimeter when lacing a frame with string or ribbon, measuring the length needed to encircle the circular or rectangular shape precisely. Help children calculate the length of borders or frames for artwork or crafts, ensuring they fit perfectly.
• Running Around a Garden: Children can use the concept of perimeter to measure the distance they run while playing or exercising around the edges of a garden or outdoor space. Children can also measure the length of a pathway or sidewalk for a garden or playground.
• Sports Grounds: Understanding perimeter is useful for marking out the boundaries of sports fields or tracks during play and sports events.

Importance of Introducing ‘Perimeter’ to Kids through Games

• Engaging Learning Journey: Introducing perimeter through games makes the learning process enjoyable and interactive for kids, keeping them actively involved in the subject.
• Visual Representation of Shapes: Perimeter games use visual representations of shapes, helping children grasp the concept by seeing the boundaries they need to measure.
• Practical Approach: Games encourage hands-on exploration of perimeter as kids physically interact with shapes, enhancing their understanding through practical experiences.
• Puzzles and Challenges: Perimeter games present problem-solving challenges, prompting kids to calculate and strategize to find the correct perimeters, developing critical thinking skills.

Learning Experience: Perimeter Math Games vs. Traditional Methods

• Positive Learning Experience: Perimeter online games offer an interactive and enjoyable approach to teaching perimeter, keeping students engaged and motivated to learn.
• Visual Grasp: Perimeter games online use visual aids, making it easier for students to grasp perimeter concepts by seeing shapes and their boundaries.
• Better Practice: Interactive perimeter games allow students to physically interact with shapes, enhancing their understanding through practical experiences, unlike traditional methods that may rely on conventional learning.
• Fun Challenges: Math games present problem-solving scenarios, encouraging students to calculate perimeters creatively, fostering critical thinking skills, which might not be emphasized as much in traditional teaching methods.
• Everyday Context: Games often connect perimeter to real-world situations, making the concept more relatable and applicable in everyday scenarios, enhancing students' understanding beyond textbook exercises alone, which traditional methods might lack.

What Are 5 Best Fun Games and Activities on Finding the Perimeter of Shapes?

If you are looking for a perimeter game online aligned with curriculum and suitable for elementary grades, your search ends here. Here is a list of some of the best games and activities on the concept of Perimeter by SplashLearn:

• Introduction to Perimeter Game
• Find Perimeter of Regular Shapes Game
• Find Perimeter of Irregular Shapes Game
• Find Perimeter of Shapes using Grids Game
• Find the Perimeter of Polygons Game