Lesson 2

Estimate Volume with Cube Models

Est. Class Sessions: 1–2
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Standards for Mathematical Practice

MP1.
Make sense of problems and persevere in
solving them.
MP2.
Reason quantitatively.
MP3.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
MP4.
Model with mathematics.
MP6.
Attend to precision.

Student pairs use connecting cubes to build models of classroom objects then estimate the volume of the objects by finding the number of cubes in their models. They compare the volume of the models to determine if their estimates are reasonable.

Content in this Lesson

  • Measuring and estimating volume by building models and counting cubic
    units [E3].
  • Developing visualization and spatial reasoning skills [E6].
  • Justifying a solution using visual and spatial reasoning [E6].
  • Using geometric modeling to solve problems.
  • Using labels [MPE6].

Daily Practice and Problems E–F

E. Practice

F. Pennies and Dimes

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Materials for Students

Daily Practice and Problems Lesson Homework Assessment

Student Books

 Student Activity Book

Teacher Resources

 Teacher Guide - digital

Supplies for Students

30 connecting cubes. See Materials Preparation.

Supplies for Student Pairs

classroom object. See Materials Preparation.

Materials for the Teacher

Display of Math Practices page (Student Activity Book) Reference
Unit 13 Assessment Record
classroom objects. See Materials Preparation.

Materials Preparation

Prepare Collection of Classroom Objects. Gather enough classroom objects so that each student pair has one object. Collect objects that are not bigger in volume than about 30 connecting cubes and can be reasonably represented with a cube model. Suggested objects might include: stapler, tape dispenser, small picture frame, calculator, board eraser, box of markers, pencil cup, small balls, paperback book. If possible give identical objects to two different student pairs so that they can compare their estimates. Figure 1 shows cube models for some possible objects.


Figure 1: Examples of cube models of classroom objects

Prepare Learning Center with Optional Targeted Practice. Place a collection of objects with irregular shapes and connecting cubes in a center and ask students to build models to estimate the volume of the objects. Provide copies of the Cube Models page from the Student Activity Book if needed.

Assessment in This Lesson

Assessment Expectation Assessed Math Practices Expectation Assessed
Cube Models
with Feedback Box Student Activity Book
Pages 433–434
E3. 
Measure and estimate volume by building models and counting cubic units.
E6. 
Justify a solution using visual and spatial reasoning.
MPE3. 
Check for reasonableness. I look back at my solution to see if my answer makes sense. If it does not, I try again.
MPE6. 
Use labels. I use labels to show what numbers mean.