Introduction

Mathematics is a science that plays a role in all areas of our lives, whether it is calculating a simple grocery bill or predicting the weather. One of the subdivisions of Mathematics is Plane Geometry, which studies flat surfaces and shapes, especially polygons such as squares.

A square is a four-sided polygon with equal sides and four right angles. The area of a square is calculated by multiplying the length of a side by itself. Because of its simplicity and ease of calculation, the square is a figure widely used in many fields, from civil construction to interior design.

In the fields of architecture and urban planning, for example, professionals must calculate the area of land in order to design a building or revitalize a public space. Another practical application can be seen in the textile industry, where it is essential to calculate the amount of material required to produce a piece of clothing.

To understand the area of a square and its applicability, we suggest the following resources:

• Mundo Educação website: provides a complete and detailed explanation on the topic, as well as suggesting exercises to reinforce the content. Link: Mundo Educação

• Khan Academy: offers video lessons that explain the area of a square in a didactic and dynamic way. In addition, it provides an interactive platform that stimulates learning through practical exercises. Link: Khan Academy

• Book: Elementary Mathematical Foundations: Plane Geometry - Volume 9. Authors: Gelson Iezzi and Carlos Murakami. This book delves into the topic, making it ideal for students who want to explore the subject in more depth.

Practical Activity: "The Square in the City"

Activity Title:

"The Square in the City"

Project Objectives:

• Understand and calculate the area of a square.
• Apply mathematical concepts to solve real-world problems.
• Develop teamwork, time management, communication, and creative thinking skills.

Detailed Project Description:

In this project, students will identify structures in the city that resemble a square, such as blocks, squares, soccer fields, gardens, and so on. The objective is to measure the sides of these structures and calculate their areas.

Students should work in groups of 3 to 5 people and the project should last one month.

Required Materials:

• Measuring tape or tape measure (at least 100 meters long).
• Camera or smartphone with a camera.
• Paper and pen for notes.
• Internet access for research and writing the report.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Activity:

1. Group formation: Students should organize themselves into groups of 3 to 5 people.

2. Brainstorm: Each group should brainstorm to identify square-like structures in the city.

3. Selection of structures: Each group should select 5 structures and record their locations.

4. Measurement: Students should go to the site of each selected structure and measure its sides with the measuring tape or tape measure.

5. Area calculation: Using the measurements obtained, students should calculate the area of each structure.

6. Photograph: Students should take photos of each structure and the measurements taken.

7. Writing the report: Students should write a report according to the instructions provided, explaining in detail the process carried out, the difficulties encountered, the mathematical theory used, and the results obtained.

Project Deliverables:

• Photos of the structures and measurements taken.
• Report containing the following sections: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography.
• Oral presentation of the project: Each group should present its project to the class, explaining the process carried out and the results obtained.

In the report, students should detail the entire process, justifying the choices made (such as the choice of structures to be measured), explaining how the measurements were taken and how the areas were calculated. In addition, students should also discuss the results obtained and reflect on what they learned from the experience.

Furthermore, students should include a brief introduction to the mathematical concept of the area of a square, explaining the importance of this concept in solving the problem proposed. Finally, students should conclude the report by revisiting their main points, highlighting what they learned and the conclusions drawn from the project. The sources used by the groups should be duly cited in the Bibliography section.