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.

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...

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...

Students 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.

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...

Weathering is not necessarily a result of the weather. Scholars conduct an experiment to explore the effect of surface area and volume on the weathering process. They create their own sugar cube rocks using the same number of cubes—but...

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...

Students determine the volume of a rectangular prism. They then maximize and minimize the volume given variable side lengths.  Finally, they factor the volume equation to determine the side lengths.

Don't be fooled: the taller glass doesn't always hold the most. Given the dimensions of different cylindrical containers for beverages and popcorn, pupils calculate the volumes. They see how changing the dimensions affects the volume and...

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 instructional activity is a fun way to practice measurement...

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...

Tenth graders investigate the volume of a cylinder.  For 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...

Students are introduced to the concept of surface tension, its dependence on material composition, and how it can produce uniquely shaped surfaces.

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...

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.

Solids come in many shapes and sizes. Using geometry, scholars create two-dimensional cross-sections of various three-dimensional objects. They develop the lesson further by finding the volume of solids. The module then shifts...

Students review what a cylinder is and how a cylinder is measured. They build a variety of cylinders with different heights and radii. They compare the surface area and volume of each cylinder and discuss anything that surprises them...

Learners apply various methods for finding the volume and surface area of sphere. They compare and contrast results among these mathematical methods. They work in cooperative groups to discuss their results with one another.

Students investigate the skin surface to body area ratios for different animals.  In this seventh/eighth grade mathematics/science instructional activity, students explore heat transfer between an animal’s body and the...

Young scholars examine the relationship between cell surface area and the ability of materials to diffuse through a cell. They participate in an experiment in which they determine which materials diffuse easier than others. They...

Eighth graders discover how the change in the dimensions of a shape cause a change in the overall area of the shape, but the perimeter stay the same. They, in groups, go out to the playground and construct large areas using stakes and rope.

Learners participate in a 'hands-on' activity that simulates the changing relationship of Surface Areas -to- Volume for a growing cell. They assemble models of cells for comparison.

Students map and calculate the area of the school parking lot and then the volume of water falling on the school parking lot. They map the route surface runoff will take to the nearest water body and describe the roles that human...

Learners enter a race against time to determine the maximum sized box that can be formed from a standard sheet of copy paper. The boxes are to be used to contain a valuable and rare element which is light as cotton and corrosive to all...