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In this experiment you can use a group of square biscuits to discover how a fixed area can have different shapes. The biscuits will always have the same area but they can be arranged to form shapes with outlines of various lengths.
You will need six square biscuits. Cream crackers are great for this experiment but you can try any type. Use paper squares if you can't get to the biscuit tin!
Lay your biscuits, with sides touching, in a rectangular shape like this:
Draw the shape on a piece of paper and make a note of the perimeter (outside edge) measurement.
Now lay the biscuits in a different shape and measure the perimeter again. How does the perimeter length change? How many shapes can you make?
What happens when you just make the corners touch?
Make sure you copy and measure each shape you make.