Perimeter, Area and Volume - Volume – Counting Cubes - Presentation

In a series of engaging activities, students are introduced to the concept of volume through the practical task of counting cubes. The lesson begins with a discussion prompt to recall the unit of measurement for volume, setting the stage for hands-on learning. Students are then presented with various solids constructed from cubes, each with a volume of 1 cm³, and are tasked with calculating the total volume of these shapes. The initial activity reinforces the fundamental idea that the volume of a solid can be determined by the sum of its constituent cubes, providing a clear and tactile approach to understanding three-dimensional measurement.

Building on this foundation, the lesson progresses to more complex tasks where students are encouraged to think critically about the effect of changing the unit of measurement. They explore what happens to the volume calculation when the unit changes from cm³ to mm³ or m³, discovering that while the numerical value remains the same, the unit of measure adjusts accordingly. This exploration is furthered by an activity where students are asked to create different models using a set number of cubes, challenging them to visualise and calculate volume in various configurations. The lesson culminates with reasoning exercises where students must justify their answers and consider different possibilities, such as the various ways Zach could use his 64 cubes to create different sized cubes or combinations thereof. The session ends by encouraging students to reflect on the similarities and differences between area and volume, as well as the units used to measure them, fostering a deeper understanding of measurement concepts.