A Learning Activity is a strategy a teacher chooses to actively
engage students in learning a concept or skill using a digital tool/resource.
You may save this Learning Activity to your hard drive as an .html file by
selecting “File”,then “Save As” from your browser’s
pull down menu. The file name extension must be .html.
Phase:
During/Explore/Explain
Activity:
Begin the lesson by putting students into groups of 2-5. This is an inquiry-based lesson so mixed-ability groups will be helpful.
Display the slideshow. Show students the slide with the picture of the box of sugar cubes. (Students might be unfamiliar with sugar cubes and will need some extra information about how they are used.) Explain that the box claims there are exactly 198 sugar cubes in the box, but that seems to be an odd number. Why 198 and not an even 200? How can we be sure there are exactly 198 cubes in the box?
Go to the next slide and explain that the students' task for today is to figure out a way to use math to prove that the box has exactly 198 cubes. Give students a few moments to turn-&-talk before sharing out ideas. Students might suggest counting each cube, but that would take a long time and would be difficult to get the count exactly right. It would work, but it would be an inefficient mathematical solution.
When students are ready for the hint, reveal the picture showing how the cubes are arranged at the top of the box. Describe the layout as an array and have a student share a multiplication equation to represent the array (3x6).
Give each group a box of cubes and set a timer. Students should find a way to prove how many cubes are in the box (without counting each one). If students are struggling, ask them to think about the top layer they can see -- how many layers of 18 are in the box?
Have students share their solutions. After a class discussion, show students the last slide to help make the connection between counting unit cubes and multiplying the three edge lengths to find the volume.
Note: The solution slide has been hidden in the presentation view to avoid accidentally revealing the answer; to display it, right-click the thumbnail and uncheck the option "skip slide."
Give each student an exit ticket to wrap up the lesson.
Assessment Strategies:
Observe to see if students are able to solve the real-world volume problem by counting unit cubes.
Evaluate the exit tickets to see if students can explain how to prove the number of cubes by using the three dimensions of the box as measured in sugar cubes.
Advanced Preparation:
Sort students into mixed-ability groups with 2-5 students per group.
Preview the slideshow and prepare to display it for the class.
Each group will need a box of sugar cubes. (Butcher paper on the desks/tables will make it easier to clean up any sugar crumbs.)
Make enough copies of the exit ticket to give one to each student. (There are two on each page.)
Variation Tips (optional):
Students can use a digital or printed image of the sugar cube box rather than being provided with the actual item.
Notes or Recommendations (optional):
This activity can be used as a stand-alone activity or together with the following activities as a complete lesson: