Squares and Square Roots

Uncovering Misconceptions

Learning Goals

Competencies• Thinking• Critical Thinking

Content• Area and perimeter• Perfect Squares• Squares and Square Roots• Perfect Squares• Approximate Square Roots

Context

• Students had not been introduced to square roots.• Students were not reminded of the difference between perimeter and

area.

Open Ended Question

• Students were asked to work in groups of 3 or 4.• Students were asked to create 3 squares that were 1, 2 and 3 metres

squared out of string.• Each group was given a metre stick.• Students were to figure out the length of string needed to create the

squares.• Students were given 4 desks and masking tape to work with.

Key Misunderstanding Uncovered

All students could• Calculate the area of a square.• Measure the length of the string.• Build the 1 m square

Most students• Confused area and perimeter.• Had trouble building the 2 m square shape.• Did not have a referent for 1 m squared

Post Assessment