2. Develop a Draft Comparison Table

Before beginning the concept of calculating the area and perimeter of composite figures, students reviewed the basics of perimeter and area.  Comparisons were made in the definitions, as well as in how to calculate each.  Students noted in the concepts that both were similar for polygons, as well as for circles.  They also looked for commonalities in the variables used in the calculations (length, width, base, height, etc); they did note however that a circle was the only one that used a radius (diameter) and pi.  They placed this in the like/unlike categories sections.  This was a good way to review area and perimeter and what the students already knew, as well as to review the different types of quadrilaterals.  This brought up another discussion of comparing and contrasting