Perimeter, Area and Volume - What is volume? - Presentation

In a series of engaging teaching slides, the concept of volume is explored through hands-on activities and thought-provoking discussions. Volume is defined as the amount of solid space an object occupies, and it is typically measured in cubic centimetres (cm³). Students are encouraged to build their understanding by manipulating cubic cm blocks to form various shapes and then calculate the volume by counting these cubes. For instance, a single cubic centimetre block occupies a space of 1 cm³. The lesson continues with activities that challenge students to create different solids using a set number of cubes, such as four or six, and to consider the similarities and differences between the shapes they construct.

Further activities prompt students to make specific shapes and complete a table by recording the width, height, length, and calculated volume of each solid. This practical approach helps students visualise the three-dimensional aspect of volume. Additionally, the lesson distinguishes between volume and capacity, asking students to compare the two by using containers with different measurements in millilitres (ml) and cubic centimetres. This comparison deepens their understanding of how volume is used in real-life contexts. The lesson culminates with reasoning tasks that require students to devise multiple ways to construct a cuboid with a given volume, and to describe shapes based on clues, reinforcing their comprehension of volume through creative and analytical thinking.