Students correctly answer questions to reach the top of the mountain. How far will they make it up the mountain? As they progress higher up the mountain, the scenery will change—from grassy slopes to rocky cliffs and snowy peaks. At the end, a polaroid is taken of how far they made it and their final team score!

In this version, students are presented with composite shapes and asked to calculate their perimeter using side lengths measured in metres (m), centimetres (cm), or millimetres (mm). This activity strengthens students' ability to apply measurement knowledge, perform multi-step calculations, and recognise how perimeter applies to real-world shapes.

Let’s Hike – Calculating the Perimeter of Composite Shapes is ideal for Year 4–6 students learning to apply perimeter strategies to more complex shapes. Whether played independently or as a team, this mountain-climbing mission reinforces measurement skills through interactive and collaborative learning.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Calculate the perimeter of composite shapes using provided side lengths
• ✅ Work with metric units including metres, centimetres, and millimetres
• ✅ Strengthen multi-step addition and problem-solving strategies
• ✅ Understand how perimeter applies to practical contexts
• ✅ Collaborate with others in an engaging, goal-oriented maths game

How to Play:

1. Students are shown a composite shape with side lengths labelled in metric units.
2. They calculate the total perimeter by adding all sides together.
3. Each correct answer moves the team further up the mountain trail.
4. If playing cooperatively, all players contribute to reaching the summit together.
5. At the end, a polaroid snapshot shows how far they climbed and their final score.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during your measurement or perimeter unit for application and practise
• 💡 Great for Year 4–6 students developing confidence with composite shapes
• 💡 Pair with a classroom challenge to design and measure composite shapes on grid paper
• 💡 Follow up with a real-world task such as measuring items around the classroom or schoolyard

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Let students personalise their experience by choosing from six characters before the game begins
• 💛 Select the number of players or teams at the start of the game to suit individual, paired, or group play
• 💛 Send the QR code home for students to play as a homework or revision task

Let’s Hike – Calculating the Perimeter of Composite Shapes transforms measurement into a mountain-top mission—building teamwork, confidence, and calculation skills with every step!