News From the Nest-Spotlight on Learning: 3D Shapes Exploration
Spotlight On Learning
3D Shapes Exploration: Surface Area and Volume Project
Presented by: Parm Jaswal
Subject: Workplace Math 10
TEACHER DESCRIPTION and / or REFLECTION:
The aim of this project was to give students hands-on experience in understanding the concepts of surface area and volume by exploring and constructing various 3D shapes. I observed students become more invested into their learning during this process. Working with real figures improves their spatial awareness and provides deeper understanding. Some students built impressive shapes but when it came to calculating surface area and volume, they really had to think, and problem solve on the fly. I remember one student had an eclipse built into their shape, we hadn’t talked about this shape. So, this student had to research on their own on how to find the area of an eclipse. This project really made students focus on small details and stressed the importance of having a well laid out plan that includes a miniature model before building the real shape.
Overall, surface area and volume project was an enriching experience for my students, that not only reinforced mathematical concepts but also help build a variety of other skills valuable in academic and real-world contexts.
STUDENT REFLECTIONS:
“It is so much harder to calculate the SA/Volume of shapes in real life, there are many more details to pay attention to.” – Student A
“I was going to paint my room this summer, now I know exactly how much paint to buy because I can find the surface area of my room.” – Student B
“I didn’t like the project because it made me carefully measure all the dimensions and then find the appropriate formula for my calculations. It’s not cut and dry like the practice questions in our booklets.” – Student C
“I liked the fact that I got to be creative and build what I wanted. I ran into some shapes which we didn’t study in class, so I had to do my own research to learn about them. It was a fun experience.” – Student D