Grade 3 Math Book · Shapes & Geometry
Spaghetti and Meatballs for All!
by Marilyn Burns
Mr. and Mrs. Comfort set up eight square tables for 32 guests at a family reunion. But as guests arrive, they push tables together, and suddenly there aren't enough seats.
Why it's useful
A great way to explore area and perimeter and how they differ.
- Same area, different perimeter. The tables cover the same space, but the number of seats changes.
- Hands-on problem solving. Kids can rearrange square tiles just like the guests.
- Real-life math. Planning seating is a problem kids understand.
Try it in class or at home
- Table tiles. Use 8 square tiles. How many seats in each arrangement?
- Most and fewest. Find the arrangement with the most seats and the fewest.
- Graph it. Record arrangements and seats, and look for a pattern.