Differentiated Learning Centers

Metric Volume Lab

Natassia Piccolo Lynbrook South Middle School
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Objectives: In this activity, students will be able to:

Find the volume of a figure by counting the number of cubes that make up the figure.
Use a ruler to find the dimensions of a prism to the nearest tenth of a centimeter.
Use prior knowledge of finding the area of a rectangle and a square.
Apply the general formula of volume, V = Bh, to mathematical problems.
Extend their understanding of the volume of rectangular prisms and cubes with whole number side
lengths to side lengths with fractional edges.
Find the volume of real-world figures using a metric ruler.
Use cubes to build different rectangular prisms that have the same volume.

Group Roles: Students were grouped homogeneously

Manager Reads tasks aloud, group motivator

Accountant Checks/computes the answer
Technician Summarizes the steps needed to solve problem
Helper Helps assist group members, cleans up materials

Station/Tier 1: Beginner Level

Materials: 4 different sized rectangular prisms/cubes with whole number edge-lengths, calculator,
worksheet, cubes
Procedure: Students will find the volume of four different sized prisms by packing the prism with
cubes and counting the number of cubes that fill each prism. Students will then use the cubes to
determine the length, width, and height of the prism. Students will prove that the volume is the
same as multiplying the edge lengths of the prism (V = lwh)
Differentiation: Cubes will be provided to find the volume of prisms with whole number edge-
lengths

Station/Tier 2: Intermediate Level

Materials: 4 different sized rectangular prisms/cubes with fractional edge-lengths (such as a cereal
box), calculator, worksheet, metric ruler
Procedure: Students will use a metric ruler to find the dimensions of four different prisms with
fractional edges. Student will use their dimensions to calculate the volume, to the nearest tenth of
a centimeter.
Differentiation: Metric ruler will be provided to find the length, width, and height. Prisms (boxes)
will have fractional edge-lengths.
Station/Tier 3: Advanced Level

Materials: cubic blocks, calculator, worksheet

Procedure: Students will use cubic blocks to build two rectangular prisms with different
dimensions, but the same volume. Students will sketch the different prisms and record the length,
width, and height. Students will be able to explain why the volume for each prism is the same.
Differentiation: Students must have strong background knowledge of volume to create two
different prisms with the same volume. Students will use prior knowledge of number sense,
number properties, such as the commutative property, and multiplication facts.

*Note: When groups finished their station, they challenged themselves to try another station.
 Metric Volume Lab
Group members:

1. __________________ 2. ___________________ 3. ___________________

4. ___________________ 5. ___________________ 6. ___________________

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Station # 1:
a) Find the volume of each box by packing the prism with cubes and counting the number of
cubes that fill each prism.
b) Fill out the chart below. You will use the volume formula to prove that the volume is the same
as the number of cubes that fill the box.

Box 1: Box 2:

How many cubes fill each box? ______________ How many cubes fill each box? ______________

Count the cubes to find the following: Count the cubes to find the following:

Length: _________ units Length: _________ units

Width: _________ units Width: _________ units
Height: _________ units Height: _________ units

Volume of a rectangular prism = l w h Volume of a rectangular prism = l w h

Volume = _______________ Volume = _______________

Box 3: Box 4:

How many cubes fill each box? ______________ How many cubes fill each box? ______________

Count the cubes to find the following: Count the cubes to find the following:

Length: _________ units Length: _________ units

Width: _________ units Width: _________ units
Height: _________ units Height: _________ units

Volume of a rectangular prism = l w h Volume of a rectangular prism = l w h

Volume = _______________ Volume = _______________

Station # 2:
a) Use a metric ruler to find the dimensions of each prism, to the nearest tenth of a centimeter.
b) Fill out the chart below and find the volume. Include appropriate formulas, substitutions, & units.

Box 1: Box 2:

Length: _________ units Length: _________ units

Width: _________ units Width: _________ units
Height: _________ units Height: _________ units

Volume = _______________ Volume = _______________

Box 3: Box 4:

Length: _________ units Length: _________ units

Width: _________ units Width: _________ units
Height: _________ units Height: _________ units

Volume = _______________ Volume = _______________

Station # 3: Build and sketch two rectangular prisms that have a volume of 24 cubic units, but different
dimensions (length, width, and height. Clearly include appropriate formula, substitutions,
and units.

Sketch 1 Sketch 2

Length: ______ Length: ______

Width: ______ Width: ______

Height: ______ Height: ______

Volume: ______________ Volume: ______________

What have you learned in math this year that would explain why rectangular prisms with different
dimensions can have the same volume? Explain your reasoning.

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