What is a critical outcome the teacher seeks by having students fill rectangles with square crackers?

Filling rectangles with square crackers serves as a hands-on activity that allows students to visually and physically engage with the concept of area. By using the square crackers to fill the rectangles, students can see how many squares fit into a given space, reinforcing their understanding of how area is measured in square units. This experiential learning helps solidify the relationship between the dimensions of a rectangle (length and width) and the total space it covers.

The activity encourages active exploration and critical thinking, as students manipulate physical objects to derive the concept of area rather than simply memorizing formulas or calculations. Through this tactile approach, students gain a more intuitive grasp of area, which is fundamental to their mathematical development. Thus, the correct answer highlights the importance of contextual learning through engaging methods that deepen understanding rather than isolated theoretical knowledge or memorization.