Explore surface area out of the box. Pairs investigate surface area by measuring two boxes and calculating the area of each side. Classmates trace one of the boxes onto butcher paper and create a net with the same area. Groups then determine what affects changing one dimension of the box has on the surface area.

Concepts

surface area, surface area of prisms, rectangular prisms, nets

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Additional Tags

math

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Instructional Ideas

• Supply a morphed box for learners who struggle to give them a visual model

Classroom Considerations

• Assumes knowledge of finding the area of rectangles
• Introduction requires using a 3X3 graphic organizer

Pros

• Provides a list of needed prerequisite skills
• Includes a benchmark paper

Cons

• GeoGebra link example does not work

Common Core

MP1 MP5 MP6 6.G.A.4 7.G.B.6