Geometry and Volume

Using a fifteenth-century woodcut image of different shapes of wine vats, students will not only learn to calculate volume, but also to think about practical applications for mathematical formulae.

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Students will solve real-world and mathematical problems involving the volume of three-dimensional objects.

Essential and guiding questions: 

When would you need to be able to find the volume of three-dimensional shapes?

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Applying
Extension suggestions: 

For more practice finding the volume of three-dimensional shapes, encourage your students to utilize these online resources:

  • For middle school math classes, allow students to explore the Cool Math Online Dictionary. Students can view illustrated definitions of math terms and play math puzzles.
  • Middle school students can also explore the A Maths Dictionary For Kids online.
  • High school students can practice volume problems online with the IXL Volume Quizzes on cylinders and prisms as well as pyramids and cones.

Helpful Hints

Materials and Resources:

  • Class calculators
  • Volume Word Problem Worksheet
  • Illustrated arithmetic problem showing man stamping on fruit in rectangular tub and man standing in round tub, with mathematical equations and surrounding text [1492]
  • Occupations related to mathematics [1934]
  • Small children studying geometry in a classroom in Washington, D.C. [1889?]
  • Occupations related to mathematics [1936-1941]
  • Primary source analysis teacher’s guide