Subject Area(S): Geometry, Physical Science

The Research Experience for Teachers Program http://www.cs.appstate.edu/ret Subject Area(s): Geometry, Physical Science

Computer Science Tools: ImageJ

Activity Title: “Calculating the Volume of Objects Using Their Pictures”

Grade Level: 9 - 12

Time Required: 90 Minute Class Period

Recommended Group Size: 2-4 Students

Summary: Students will calculate the volume of a container and piece of candy (or other object) to determine how many smaller objects will fit into a container.

Computer Science Connection: Students will develop digital image processing skills.

Keywords: Geometry, Physical Science, volume, solid, ImageJ, proportion, ratio

Pre-Requisite Knowledge: Students should have experience with volume formulas, ratio, proportion and some basic computer skills

Learning Objective: Learn alternate methods of obtaining data to calculate the volume of a three dimensional solid.

Materials List:

 Computer loaded with ImageJ software

 Rectangular prism containers

 Rectangular prism candy (or other object) Introduction/Motivation: ImageJ is a photo editing program that can be used to alter, measure and analyze photographs. This lab utilizes ImageJ’s photo analytics to investigate elements of digital photographs. These tools can be used to calculate lengths, areas, volumes and angles. We will use these tools to calculate the volume of a container and estimate the number of pieces of candy that will fit into it.

In this lab, students will use ImageJ to calculate the volume of a piece of candy and the volume of the container that candy will go in. How many pieces of candy will fit into the container? The winning team of students will receive a prize!

Assessment

Pre-Assessment:

 Students should estimate the volume of the container.

 Students should be able to estimate how many pieces of candy will fit into a given container.

Results/Conclusions:

 Students should be able to calculate the volume of three dimensional figures.

 Students should be able to determine the ratio of volumes of figures with and without ImageJ software.

Reference(s):

The RET Program at Appalachian State University – Summer 2013.