It is essential for all students to learn how to measure the area of an object. Centimeters are typically easier to convert and multiply than inches because the metric system is based on units of 10; students can benefit from using centimeters when learning to measure area. Equip your students with rulers, and make sure they understand how to measure basic lines. Give them a worksheet with rectangles, and ask them to measure the lengths of the sides to find the area. Then ask them to measure the area of various objects in the room, such as a window pane or the top of a desk. Advanced students can use tape measures to find the area of more difficult objects, such as circles, cylinders, triangles and trapezoids.
Although square centimeters are easier to compute, they are not the standard unit of measurement in America. Teach students how to convert square centimeters into square inches, feet, meters and millimeters, then ask them to find the area of various drawn objects in square centimeters and convert that area into a different unit.
To teach younger students about concepts such as big and small or wide and narrow, let them compare objects with various perimeters and areas. Have students measure the perimeter and area of objects and describe them with appropriate conceptual words.
Instead of always asking students to measure objects, give them the reverse assignment -- ask them to create an object based on an area that you provide. Give them a worksheet with various areas written in square centimeters, and ask them to draw shapes that could have that area and label the length of each side appropriately. For a more artistic project, give students a certain area written in square centimeters, and ask them to create shapes with that same area, using cutouts of construction paper or 1-by-1 cm blocks.
Students generally learn a concept more effectively when they can relate it to their own lives or to another subject. In order to cement the idea of measurement, have students look at home to find products with area measurements written on the packaging, such as television screens. Encourage students to compare the areas of objects to determine whether area dimensions affect product design and use. Alternatively, have students use area to calculate scientific quantities, such as force, or ask students to create art projects using specific areas in different colors or proportions.