volumes of solids | strempletechtools

Real World Math: Volumes of Solids

Curator: William Stremple

Name & Link to Tech Tool or Tool homepage: http://www.realworldmath.org/concept-lessons.html

Brief Description of Tech Tool: This tech tool uses Google Earth to visit various buildings that resemble three-dimensional geometric shapes. Students are asked to find the surface area and/or volume of the buildings based on the given dimensions.

Evaluation

Description of Learning Activity

This tool can be used as a way to explore and have students actively learn about the surface area and volume of three-dimensional objects. I supplied my students with a formula sheet, we did some figures together, and then they worked in pairs to complete the remaining buildings. The accompanying handout (found in the lesson plan section) is basic, but provides students a space to find answers for each situation.

1. Learning Activity Types

Practice - Use to engage students and get them collaborating/practicing with volume and surface area calculations.
Present-Demo - To present new ideas and demonstrate how to obtain correct answers. Also, to demonstrate the practical uses of the mathematical skills.
Explore - Students will explore the sizes and shapes of specific buildings around the world.
Apply - Students will apply their knowledge of using formulas to practical problems.

2. What mathematics is being learned?

NCTM Standards

NCTM-Geo-analyze - analyze characteristics and properties of two- and three-dimensional geometric shapes and develop mathematical arguments about geometric relationships
NCTM-Geo-visualization - use visualization, spatial reasoning, and geometric modeling to solve problems.

VA SOL Strands

8.7 - The student will investigate and solve practical problems involving volume and surface area of prisms, cylinders, cones, and pyramids

Proficiency Strands

conceptual understanding: Students are able to show understanding of the concepts by producing a correct process and answers for the questions.
procedural fluency: Students can have a chance to check their answers with partners/answer key to ensure accuracy.
strategic competence: Students are shown how the concepts are represented realistically and have a chance to check for understanding. Several formulas require careful computation and students are forced to work collaboratively to achieve competence.
adaptive reasoning: Students have the opportunity to explain their reasoning behind their answers to the class and/or their partner. Several formulas require careful computation and students are forced to work collaboratively to achieve competence.
productive disposition: Students work with actual buildings worldwide to find the volume and surface area for various purposes.

Additional comments on what is being learned

3. How is the mathematics represented?

The mathematics is represented as a virtual manipulative. Using Google Earth, students are able to 'see' buildings in question. Buildings can be manipulated on the computer by students that want to view them from all different angles. This tech tool is very visual and a great way to bring world geography into the mathematics classroom.

4. What role does technology play?What advantages or disadvantages does the technology hold for this role? What unique contribution does the technology make in facilitating learning?

Advantages

Provides a bridge to other disciplinesAllows students to visualize geometric shapes in relation to real-world situationsIt might be beneficial to do some research or have students research the history of specific buildings to extend the lesson beyond just calculations.

Disadvantages

Needs to be monitored closely to ensure students are focused on buildings mentioned and not finding their house, friends' houses, etc.

Unique Contribution

Students work at their own pace and the instructor is available to circulate the room and help where needed.

Affordances of Technology for Supporting Learning

Computing & Automating - Students are required to compute the volume and surface area of the buildings.

Accessing Information - Students use Google Earth to locate buildings around the world that represent 3-dimensional geometric shapes.

Communicating & Collaborating - Students can work in pairs/groups to find the answers.

5. How does the technology fit or interact with the social context of learning?

With this tech tool, students can work individually or in groups. I had students work in pairs and it went very well. The technology supports collaboration and/or individual work, but I believe collaboration is the best choice. Working with a partner allows students to check their work with someone else and also provides an opportunity to teach or learn from a peer. While working in pairs, students can be assigned or assign roles for what each person will do in relation to each problem.

6. What do teachers and learners need to know?

This tech tool requires knowledge of how to use ‍Google Earth‍. In order to use the program, make sure Google Earth is downloaded and installed on the computer(s). The tool itself was a bit confusing at first due to the lack of directions, but by following the tabs (or layers as they are referred to) along the left side it becomes easy to navigate. By clicking the arrow next to the file name, it opens up the 'layers' of the buildings to visit. By double-clicking on each building, it will take you there and also provide directions to solve the problem.

There is a password to access the teacher lesson plans: mango. This password will give you access to the standards, concepts, objectives, description, and student worksheet.

7. How could this resource supplement/facilitate PBL?

This resource can be used to supplement PBL. Students can work through this lesson to learn about and explore volume and surface area, then could create or answer problems based on certain criteria for building in different areas.