NY Next Generation Math NY-3.MD.5.b
The Standard
Recognize a plane figure which can be covered without gaps or overlaps by n unit squares is said to have an area of n square units.
New York State Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standards
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students recognize that a plane figure covered by a number of equal unit squares has that many square units of area. They require complete coverage without gaps or overlaps.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student covers a figure with 15 unit squares and states that its area is 15 square units. The student explains why overlapping tiles or uncovered spaces would make the count invalid.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may count only visible rows, include overlapping tiles twice, or ignore small gaps. They may use tiles of different sizes and still treat every tile as the same area unit.
How to Assess It
- Show a figure covered by 18 equal unit squares. Ask students for its area and how they know the covering gives a valid measurement.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Tile paper figures with equal squares, then lift and check the covering for hidden overlaps or unfilled spaces.
Ask students why fifteen tiles can name an area only when every tile represents the same square unit.
Play valid-covering detective with tiled figures that include correct models, gaps, overlaps, and mixed tile sizes.
Plan the number of equal square patches needed to cover a rectangular bulletin-board section.
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Printable NY-3.MD.5.b Worksheet
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Related Standards
- NY-3.MD.6
Measure areas by counting unit squares.
- NY-5.MD.3.b
Recognize that a solid figure which can be packed without gaps or overlaps using n unit cubes is said to have a volume of n cubic units.
- NY-3.MD.5
Recognize area as an attribute of plane figures and understand concepts of area measurement.
- NY-3.MD.5.a
Recognize a square with side length 1 unit, called "a unit square," is said to have "one square unit" of area, and can be used to measure area.
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