A “Sweet” way to explore volume and surface area. Subject Area(s) Geometry Associated Unit Associated Lesson Activity Title A “sweet” way to explore volume and surface area.
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Image 1 Image file: https://target.scene7.com/is/image/Target/GUEST_69212784-2a9f-4599-984e-3e34f8faf353?wid =488&hei=488&fmt=pjpeg ADA Description: Colorful image of four Starburst candies Source/Rights: Target.com Caption:
Grade Level 10 (7-10) Activity Dependency Time Required 45 minutes Group Size 2 Expendable Cost per Group US $1
Version: September 2016 Summary: Students precisely measure the dimensions of a single Starburst candy in order to predict how many Starburst fit into a single package. Students then use their estimate to predict how many packages come in a box. Engineering Connection: Science and Engineering Practices (SEP) describes the practices that scientists and engineers employ within their field. One of the SEP is Mathematical and Computational Thinking
Engineering Category = Relating science and/or math concept(s) to engineering
Keywords: measurement, surface area, volume
Educational Standards ITEEA Standards 2019 12, J, 6-8 Use computers and calculators in various applications CCSS Standards 2019, HSG.MG.A.1, 9-12 Use geometric shapes, their measures, and their properties to describe objects (e.g., modeling a tree trunk or a human torso as a cylinder). 2019,7.G.B.6, 7 Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving area, volume and surface area of two- and three-dimensional objects composed of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, cubes, and right prisms.
Prerequisite Knowledge Students should know how to use a ruler, and be familiar with the formulas for calculating volume and surface area of a prism. Learning Objectives After this activity, students should be able to: ● Explain how the length, width, and height of a prism, while calculating volume and surface area, function as constraints in real-world situations. Materials List Each group needs: ● 1 empty package of Starburst, 1 individual Starburst and a ruler for each group member, an index card, pen and paper for calculations, and access to measure the larger box
Introduction / Motivation We are going to have a little fun with candy today and yes you will get to eat some. Each group has an empty package of Starburst. I made those, so you wouldn’t be able to just count the number of candies in the package. You each have a single Starburst, which you may eat AFTER you have measured it. Please follow the steps provided for you on the worksheet. I only need one worksheet per group turned in, so please make sure all of your names are on it. If I didn’t provide explicit directions, then assume you are supposed to use your creativity to formulate a solution. I will walk around and help, if necessary, but I
Version: September 2016 want to hear you talking to your teammates. Before we begin, how many Starbursts do you think come in a package? (No need to solidify an answer yet, just get them thinking) Please write your group’s answer on the index card provided. Vocabulary / Definitions Word Definition Volume is the amount of space that a substance or object occupies, or that is volume enclosed within a container. surface area Surface area is the total area of the surfaces of a three-dimensional object. Rectangular prism A 3-dimensional object which has six faces that are rectangles A 3-dimensional object which has 2 faces (specifically the bases) that are Square prism squares is called a square prism. Cube A 3-dimensional object which has 6 faces that are squares is called a cube. A 3-dimensional object which has six faces that are quadrilaterals is called a Cuboid cuboid.
Image 2 Image file: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/fb/c2/09/fbc209165f251a0ec38cf97d25d1840b.gif ADA Description: A diagram defining the volume and surface area of a rectangular prism Source/Rights: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/545568942333407462/ Caption:
Procedure Background A rectangular prism is a 3-dimensional object with six rectangular faces. All its angles are right angles and opposite faces are equal. In a rectangular prism, the length, width and height may be of different lengths. A rectangular prism is also called a cuboid or rectangular solid. A square prism is also a cuboid
Version: September 2016 and a rectangular prism, but exactly 2 opposite faces (called bases) are squares. A cube is a special case of a cuboid in which all six faces are squares [1]. Before the Activity ● Purchase enough packages of Starburst so each group has 1. Open the package and remove all the Starburst, try to maintain the original form of the package, so that it appears to still have Starburst inside. Each group requires 1 empty package of Starburst, at least 1 individual Starburst per member of the group, a ruler, and an index card.
Image 3 Image file:https://www.candywarehouse.com/original-starburst-fruit-chews-candy-packs-36-piece-box/ ADA Description: A photo of a package of Starburst and 6 individual Starburst Source/Rights: Candywarehouse.com Caption:
With Students: 1) On the index card, have students write down a prediction for how many Starburst come in a package. 2) Instruct students to complete the worksheet, which will serve as their guide through this activity. Only one worksheet per group is necessary. Ideally, each student should have their own ruler. Walk around the classroom, assisting as necessary, groups will need access to the big box for measuring. If you did not purchase the Starburst in bulk, and do not have a big box, then provide them with the measurements (see the answer key). 3) When each group is done with the worksheet, instruct each student to go to https://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/cuboids-rectangular-prisms.html [2] and individually complete the online assignment. Depending on classroom resources, the teacher may have to provide an alternate assignment or adjust this lesson to accommodate for technology issues.
Attachments Worksheet Worksheet Answers
Version: September 2016 Safety Issues
Troubleshooting Tips
Investigating Questions How many Starburst are in a package? How many packages are in a big box? Is there a discrepancy in the measured volume of the box compared to the product of the volumes of each package? Why do you think that is? Assessment Pre-Activity Assessment Students write on the back of the index card a prediction of how many Starburst are in a package, and how many packages can fit in the big box Activity Embedded Assessment Starburst Activity Worksheet Post-Activity Assessment Have students complete the 10 questions at the end of this online activity. Students can submit a screenshot of results to Google Classroom https://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/cuboids-rectangular-prisms.html [2]
References [1] “Volume of Rectangular Prisms (Solutions, Examples, Videos).” Www.Onlinemathlearning.Com, 2018, www.onlinemathlearning.com/volume-rectangular-prism.html.
[2] “Cuboids, Rectangular Prisms and Cubes.” Mathsisfun.Com, 2017, www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/cuboids-rectangular-prisms.html.
Contributors Jennifer Bole Supporting Program Research Experience for Teachers (RET), Central Michigan University, College of Engineering and Technology Acknowledgments This activity was developed under National Science Foundation grant no. EEC 1542368. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policies of the National Science Foundation, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government. Classroom Testing Information This activity was successfully implemented at Arthur Hill High School, Saginaw, MI, in 4 different Geometry classes, ranging from 26-32 students, in April 2018. Students who were absent the day of the activity were able to do it individually with ease.
Version: September 2016