Browse lesson plans

Exploring properties of matter with submersibles

This inquiry-based learning activity allows students to explore the relationships between mass, volume, density, and buoyancy as they manipulate various materials to construct a submersible “vehicle” for deep-sea research.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 Science)

By Miriam Sutton.

Giving meaning to volume and surface area

This lesson is designed to help students give meaning to volume and surface area by solving problems using a meaningful situation rather than formulas.

Format: lesson plan (grade 7–8 Mathematics)

By Grayson Wheatley.

Modeling volume

This activity helps the students see how the volume of something includes the third dimension (width or depth) which is different from area. This activity also helps the students "prove" that the volume formula actually works. Students will already know that the volume of a rectangular prism is found by multiplying the object's length, width, and height. By using the blocks as models of volume, the students should come to realize that volume can be calculated simply by multiplying the area of the base by the height of the rectangular prism. Thus, they will come to realize that there is no need to try and fill the entire box with the tiny 1cm cubes, they can simply fill the bottom (to see how many cubes are there) and figure out how many rows there will be and multiply.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)

By Erin Foerster.

Post-EOG activities: Student products

In this project, students will become entrepreneurs. They will have a business that makes items with 3-dimensional shapes. They will receive various tasks that will require that they make decisions as any other business owner would have to do.

Format: lesson plan (grade 7 Mathematics)

By Geneva Williams.

Resources on the web

Drop by drop

In this lesson, the third of a five-part unit from Illuminations titled “Magnificent Measurement,” students recognize and use the attributes of volume. They engage in activities that promote understanding of how to measure volume using standard... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Estimating volume by counting on Frank

In this lesson, one of a five-part unit from Illuminations titled “Mathematics and Children's Literature,” students participate in activities in which they focus on connections between mathematics and children's literature. They listen to the... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Water, water

Students compare the amount of water they use in daily life with the amount allotted for each person each day on a Space Shuttle. Then, they estimate and measure the weight of, and amount of space occupied by, a gallon of water. They collect, organize,... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations