The Amazing Race - A Perimeter & Area Race to Cure Your Quarantine Blues!

I am only on day 5 of the Corona quarantine and I already I ache for the high-interaction, high-action environment of my sweet-salty classroom! Instead of watching one more too-embarrassing-to-mention-here Netflix series, I will instead channel this pent up energy to create some fun learning experiences for also-cuckoo-from-boredom 5th graders across the land. (Or maybe just from my class? Or maybe just from forced family members? Eustace and Franny--I'm looking at you, kids! *Insert evil cackle!*)

Instead of sitting around wishing we were elsewhere, how's about we travel the globe (thank you Google, Earth!) to explore area and perimeter problems of some real life places too far away (or too people packed!) to travel to today! If you are unfamiliar with Google Earth, no worries! Just click here to see a short tutorial video.

Now...math-wise, you'll need to know (or be reminded about!) how we find area and perimeter of basic rectangles. (Remember that is a square is a special rectangle. And, yes, sweet class-I am also getting that "Just a BORING square!" song in my head now. Thank you!) In case you have never been taught this skill, or you forgot all the wisdom we imparted upon you before we had to separate, I have created al little how-to video. Yes, I'm THAT bored, guys. Don't mock. Click here for a refresher on how to find perimeter and area of rectangles.

NOW...you are ready to race! Here is how it works: You will follow this link to find a Google form. (I'll add a button on the bottom of this page, too, in case you are the type that doesn't like to read! haha!) From there, you will follow the directions on each page to travel to places around the globe measuring perimeter and area of rectangles. Don't worry if your measurements are a little different than mine: as long as you are in the ballpark, you will be able to advance through the race. Your goal is to get to the end. When you get there, a huge ice-cream sundae will be waiting for you! (But it will be at my house, so you will just have to imagine!) 

What is the point of this? Well, to practice your 5th grade math skills of course! But also, to keep you poor teacher entertained and busy and hopefully give your parents one day off of the whole crazy "now we gotta homeschool" thing which maybe will pass by the time this thing is published. Here's hoping because I miss you little stinkers! Happy racing, guys!

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Click here to join The Amazing Race!