Virginia Department of Education
The Ratio of Surface Area to Volume
Demonstrate the ratio of surface area to volume in your high school class by using phenolphthalein, gelatin, and an onion. Intrigue the class by leading a discussion on osmosis and diffusion, then making "scientific jello." Participants...
Curated OER
Surface Area and Volume
Upper graders identify the surface area and attributes of figures that are measurable. They estimate, measure, and record perimeter, area, temperature change, and elapsed time, using a variety of strategies. They also determine the...
Virginia Department of Education
Surface Area and Volume of a Cylinder
Surface area or volume? Pupils first review the difference between surface area and volume. They then use a two-dimensional net that helps them develop formulas for the surface area and volume of cylinders.
Curated OER
Surface Area, Who Needs it?
In this geometry lesson on cylinders, geometers explore how to find the smallest surface area for a given volume. They use their knowledge to relate it to the real world by making a model of a livestock tank.
Curated OER
Effect on Surface Area and Volume
Students identify the effect the change of dimensions causes for the volume and surface area. In this geometry lesson, students compare perimeter, area and volume as they play around with the dimensions of the polygons. They discuss...
Curated OER
Volume and Surface Area: Which Is More?
Students explore the volume and surface area of three dimensional figures. Through the use of video, students discover three dimensional shapes, their uses in real-life applications, and methods used to calculate their volume and surface...
Virginia Department of Education
Geometry and Volume
The history of math is fascinating! Utilize a woodcut primary source image from 1492 and posters from the 1930s to help geometers apply their volume-calculation skills to real-life questions.
Curated OER
Surface Area and Volume of a Cube
Students explore finding the surface area and volume of cubes and cylinders. They construct similar three-dimensional figures from a two-dimensional drawing. Students derive the formula for volume and surface area through examination...
Curated OER
A Cylinder Workshop
Students work with given formulas to solve for specific variables. The calculation of the volume of a cylinder and the change in volume when there is a constant surface area is analyzed in this lesson.
Curated OER
SA/V Ratio and Rate of Diffusion
High schoolers calculate the SA/V ratio and volume of phenophthalien agar that are cut into different shapes. They then let ammonia diffuse into the various pieces of agar and determine the effect that SA/V had on the rate of diffusion.
Virginia Department of Education
Attributes of a Rectangular Prism
A change is coming. Pupils use unit cubes to investigate how changes in the length, width, and/or height affects volume and surface area. They extend the results to write and test predictions on the effect of changing multiple sides on...
Teach Engineering
Discovering Relationships Between Side Length and Area
Consider the relationship between side length and area as an input-output function. Scholars create input-output tables for the area of squares to determine an equation in the first installment of a three-part unit. Ditto for the area of...
Curated OER
Linear, Square, and Cubic Units
Linear, square, and cubic units are all investigated as different types of packages are measured. The teacher will need supplies such as a box of aluminum foil, a package of ribbon, and a bag of mulch. The class determines the...
Virginia Department of Education
Similar Solids and Proportional Reasoning
Double the dimensions, quadruple the surface area. Pairs build similar prisms and compare the ratios of their surface areas and volumes to the ratio of the heights. Given two similar cones, partners determine the ratios of the lateral...
Curated OER
Bubbles Everywhere!
Eighth graders use concrete and graphic models to derive formulas for finding perimeter, area, surface area, circumference, and volume of two- and three-dimensional shapes. This lesson is a fun way to practice measurement and circle and...
Curated OER
Changing Twines: Exploring Area and Perimeter
Third graders review formulas for area and perimeter in quadrilaterals. They arrange pre-cut twine on a centimeter graph paper to create non-congruent quadrilaterals. They calculate the perimeter and area of each form.
Curated OER
Inquiry Unit: Modeling Maximums and Minimums
Young mathematicians explore the maximun area for patio with the added complexity of finding the mimimum cost for construction. First, they maximize the area of a yard given a limited amount of fence and plot width v. area on a scatter...
Curated OER
Exploring Volume of Cylinders
Tenth graders investigate the volume of a cylinder. In this geometry lesson, 10th graders create three-dimensional cylinders and use a ruler to determine the dimensions. The lesson progresses to the use of the formula to find the...
Curated OER
Which container holds a larger amount of popcorn?
What does popcorn have to do with math? Seventh grade mathematicians are provided an opportunity to develop a conceptual understanding of the formula for volume and to use it as a tool to solve problems. The lesson begins with a...
Curated OER
Surface Tension and 3D Soap Films
Young scholars are introduced to the concept of surface tension, its dependence on material composition, and how it can produce uniquely shaped surfaces.
Curated OER
Area and Perimeter Relationships
Sixth graders explore the relationship between area and perimeter. After discovering the definition of perimeter, 6th graders work together to create designs for a flower bed. They observe that the perimeter remains constant even...
Curated OER
Estimation Task
Upper graders practice their estimation skills by observing different objects then making their best guess without using measuring instruments. Students are asked to estimate mass, length, volume, and area.
Curated OER
Perimeter All Around
Learners explore perimeter and area of regular and irregular polygons. They experiment with color squares and create different arrangements using the same number squares. Then they compare the area and perimeter measurements of each.
Curated OER
Who Wants to Carry a Million?
Students, in groups, determine the volume of a box large enough to hold a million dollars. They calculate the dimensions of a bill and the volume of the money.