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Surface Area 

In Geometry, surface area is the total outside area from all surfaces of a shape. There are different ways of calculating it, depending on the type of shape. For a cube, we use the area of a square and multiply it by six to get the total surface area. For a cylinder, we take the surface area of a circle and multiply it by the height. Each shape has it's own unique surface area calculation and it's fun to figure out how! 

Students will finish their workbook in addition to completing the in-depth packet that explores similarity in more detail, several games and activities, and a Lab Challenge project!

Beginner Level Math Class

We're going to explore different geometry skills in our workbooks. We'll continue to practice with concept and word problems and have fun learning! Video coming soon!

Download your Geometry Workbook #4

We're going to begin working through workbook #4. All levels of students will work through Geometry Workbook #4: Surface Area & Volume. Plan to complete 2-3 pages per day. After you complete the pages, you may check the answer key. Step-by-step instructional videos coming soon!

Geometry Workbook:  2D & 3D Geometry

This is the fourth workbook in geometry. I've put together a set of videos that will walk you through selected problems in this workbook. Plan to complete 2-3 pages per day. After you complete the pages, you may check the answer key.

If you've already finished this workbook, start working on the Packet in the Intermediate section below.

Math Obstacle Course Challenge #7: 

During the live class near the end of the session, we issue a special challenge. This one is called Missing Square, and you'll want to watch the video first before you cut out the template. Note that the template has two puzzles, but you only need to cut out one. I snapped two photos of the same exact puzzle (no trickery) so you could see the two solutions: one with the little square included and also not included.

So... how does it work?

If you'd like a wood version (which is easier to manipulate than the paper template), I got mine here - it's handmade from an Etsy shop.

Intermediate Level Math Class

Are you ready to really practice your new math skills? Let's get really good at geometry by doing several different activities and games as we are figuring out solutions! Video coming soon!

Part 9: Surface Area (Parts #1-3)

Surface area is the area of all the faces that cover a 3D shape. For example, if we want to find out how much paint we need to cover a cube, we would add up the area of each face to find the total surface area, which is the surface that the paint will be applied to. 

We're going to do an in-depth study of pyramids and prisms, specifically rectangular and triangular pyramids and prisms. The difference between a pyramid and a prism is pyramids only have one base (think: Giant Pyramids of Egypt), and prisms have two congruent parallel sides (which also gives the same to the shape). If the parallel sides of a prism are rectangles, then we say it's a rectangular prism.  Let's get started!

Geometry Review: Quiz

Let's review what we've covered so far with a short quiz. (HINT: The quiz is included in Packet: Surface Area on pages 13-14). Take the quiz first, before watching the video below!

Part 9: Surface Area (Parts #4-5)

Let's finish the packet by looking at applications of total and lateral surface area.

Math Activity: Scavenger Hunt

Do you enjoy scavenger hunts? This is a fun version that will help you review and practice your surface area calculating skills by solving a set of math puzzles that lead you to the next one (like a treasure hunt).

Math Activity: Dominoes

Do you like to play dominoes? This is more like a "Domino Train", where you will solve each problem (one per domino) and then match it up with the solution on a different domino. Have fun!

Math Activity: Prism Solve & Color

If you love to color, this is a fun way to practice calculating surface area and coloring in a fun picture! 

Math Activity: Matching up Nets & 3D Figures

For some kids, it's easy to match up the 2D and 3D versions of the same shape. But for others (like me), we have to practice until it becomes a learned skill. This is a good way to practice, and I highly recommend printing out a second copy so you can cut out the nets and fold them into shape so it starts to make more sense visually.

Geometry Review Activity: 28 Stations

We're about to wrap everything up in our study of surface area by taking a test, but before we do, this activity is a fun way to review all we've worked on. You don't have to do all 28 stations - pick at least two per page to complete. If you get stuck, the video below will walk you through one problem on each of the seven pages to help get you rolling again.

Surface Area Review Study Guide & Unit Test

Now that you've finished the packet on surface area and completed several hands-on activities that helped you practice your new math skills, let's do a quick review using this study guide (link below). This will get you ready for the test that follows. Be sure to complete the Unit Test FIRST, before watching the Unit Test video below!

Math Challenge Project #6: Lab

We are going to design and build a solar oven to bake your favorite cookies! The time it takes to bake will be determined by how well you make your oven.

Your job is to investigate different shapes and sizes of a solar oven to recommend the best design for baking cookies. You will apply your math skills by measuring lengths and angles, calculating area, taking data during your trials, graphing your data and determine a final result.

This solar cooker will be designed to do a few different things. First, it will concentrate the sunlight into a smaller space using aluminum foil. This makes the energy from the sun more potent (if we used mirrors, it would work even better).

We are also converting light into heat by using the black construction paper. If you’ve ever gotten into car with dark seats, you know that those seats can get HOT on summer days! The black color absorbs most of the sunlight and transforms it into heat (which boosts the efficiency of your solar oven).

Materials needed:

• Aluminum foil
• Plastic wrap
• Black construction paper
• Tape & scissors
• Kitchen scale (measures in grams)
• Stopwatch or timer
• Thermometer (for measuring cookie temperature)
• Reusable plastic baggies
• Cardboard box: pizza boxes (clean!), tissue, box, Pringles can… think cardboard container that you can modify to bake cookies in)
• Cookie dough – your choice (I use pasteurized eggs when doing this experiment with kids so I don’t have to worry about them consuming raw eggs)

Advanced Level Math Class

Math Challenge