November 13-17

 I can use a formula to calculate the volume of rectangular prisms and solve problems involving volume of rectangular prisms (grade 6 Math)

I can create models of rectangular prisms using hands-on materials or digital applications (grade 6 Math)

We reviewed our previous learning around calculating perimeter and area then used blocks to explore 3 dimensional shapes and figure out how to calculate volume. After this learning, the students described volume as: the amount of space a 3D shape takes up.

We logged into Minecraft Education and started exploring a pre-designed world in order to practice calculating volume. Students discovered that while the formula for volume is Length (Base) X Width X Height, it actually doesn't matter which order you multiply the dimensions. Afterall, L x W x H will yield the exact same answer as W x H x L because of the commutative property of multiplication. We are looking forward to logging back into Minecraft this week to continue this learning because technical difficulties slowed us down a bit.

Offline, students worked on solving a few problems in order to gain a better understanding of volume in real life contexts and to practice using the formula to calculate volume. Using actual cubes in the classroom helped develop an understanding of cubic measurements; if the volume of an object is 24 cm cubed, that means that the identical object can be created using 24 1cm cubes!

We often provide students with different versions of math problems so each student can choose a starting point based on their level of comfort with the problem:

As always, we encourage students to come talk to us if they are confused by a math concept. We are happy to spend extra time working one on one or with small groups of students to provide extra learning or practice around a concept!