Intro to Cubic Units: Can You Visualize It?

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Digital Literacy and Computer Science

Grade(s)

Overview

In this learning activity, students will visit a website that introduces the concept of volume and cubic units. The website shows objects with different shapes, but the same cubic units in volume. Students must identify objects that have a specific cubic unit from choices given. They work their way through four levels as the number of cubic units they are asked to identify increases. This lesson aligns with 5th grade Alabama Math Course of Study.

This activity was created as a result of the DLCS COS Resource Development Summit.

Phase

Before/Engage

Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 5

DLCS18.5.26
Connect data from a simulation to real-life events.

Vocabulary

data
simulation

Knowledge

Students know:

how to connect real
life events to data from a simulation.

Skills

Students are able to:

connect data from a simulation to real
life events.

Understanding

Students understand that:

data from simulations relates to real
life events.
simulations can be accurate predictors of real
life possibilities.

Learning Objectives

The student will accurately measure cubic volume by counting units.

The student will connect data from a simulation to real-life events.

Activity Details

This should be used as an introduction to volume and cubic units.

Steps:

Before class, the teacher will provide access to an internet enabled device for all students.
The teacher will begin the lesson by explaining that in the real world students will encounter a variety of shapes that look different but have the same volume.
The teacher will demonstrate by showing students two cups that look different because of their width or height but hold the same amount of liquid.
The teacher will have a large measuring cup that will hold 16 ounces.
The teacher will measure the liquid in each and demonstrate that each cup holds the same amount of liquid, even though they do not look exactly the same.
The teacher will explain that we measure volume by cubic units and that units can be arranged in a variety of ways.
The teacher will have the students turn on their internet-enabled devices and visit the following website http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/mathgames/geometry/shapeshoot/VolumeShapesShoot.htm.
The teacher should project the landing page of the site on the screen so students can make sure they are at the correct location.
Students will spend 5-10 minutes identifying the correct volume of the given cubic units.
The teacher walks around the room observing and offering help if needed.
When a student has completed the activity, they share their score with the teacher.

Assessment Strategies

When the activity is completed, the students write down their score on a slip of paper or Post-it note and share it with the teacher for a quick formative assessment. Students are encouraged to rework the activity if they are not satisfied with their first score.

Background / Preparation

The teacher will need to bookmark or share the link to the site through a management system such as Google Classroom. The teacher could write the web address on the board for students to type into their devices. If the teacher is using Chromebooks, they may have to make sure students enable flash when the site comes up in order to play the game properly.

Sheppard Software Website

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/mathgames/geometry/shapeshoot/VolumeShapesShoot…

Approved Date

2018-06-22

Owner (Author)

julierhodes

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