Grade 5: Using the Structure of Rectangular Prisms to Determine Volume

Students use the layered structure of a rectangular prism to explain how to determine volume in this small group mini-lesson. Students notice how the top and bottom face of a prism can be used to calculate volume, and practice using additive or multiplicative thinking to determine volume on their own worksheets.

By Zach Wissner-Gross

Learning goals: Today's Goals • Determine the the volume of a rectangular prism by observing its structure — how many layers the prism has and how many in each layer. • Language Goal: Explain the relationship between volume and a prism's layers and the number of cubes in a layer. Describe the layered structure of a rectangular prism. (Speaking and Listening) Prep Checklist • Click Project Screens to show the Teacher Presentation screen to your students. There are Teacher Moves and Sample Responses to guide this opener. • Distribute the Student Edition Paper Resource to each student. • You can launch your lesson with the Teacher Presentation screen, then transition into the Modeled Review, Guided Practice, and then Check for understanding. Use the Teacher Edition to guide instruction. Materials • Print the Student Edition Paper Resource ahead of time. • Print or review the Teacher Edition to guide instruction.