Surface Area of Cubes 
and Rectangular Prisms

Designed by: Sally Hug, Hand Middle School

GRADE LEVEL: 8th     SUBJECT(S): Math

CORE CURRICULUM OBJECTIVE(S): Calculate the surface area of cubes and rectangular prisms. (8GE6-6)

RESTATEMENT: Students will find surface area of given objects.

OVERVIEW: Students will find the surface area of given shapes with and without concrete objects by finding the area and then totaling the amounts found.

FOCUS/ ESSENTIAL QUESTION(S): What procedures are followed to find surface area? How can surface area be found using cubes and rectangular prisms?

TIME FRAME: Two 45-50 minute periods - one period for a hands-on activity - one period for other examples and writing

RESOURCES:
 - Gateways to Algebra and Geometry (p.574), for reference
 - Data gathering sheets
 - Rubric 
- Paper/ Pencil 
- Food boxes (cereal boxes, etc.)
 - Scissors
 - Ruler

ASSESSMENT: Students will find surface area of given prisms. Students will use and will not use concrete objects. Students will measure boxes to find the surface area.

INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES:

ACTIVITY ONE

* The teacher will provide copies of "finding the surface area" sheet and rubric sheet. Students will review the process of finding surface area of cubes and rectangular prisms. 

* Students will be provided with or provide themselves with a food box. The student will cut open the food box so that it could lay flat. The student will find the area of each face of the box (length x width), then add all the areas together. Students will fill in the "surface area sheet" 

* Teacher should complete one example first..

ACTIVITY TWO

* Students will review the process of finding surface area of cubes and rectangular prisms. Teacher will give students given pictures of models (on paper, like the ones provided) The students will measure, find area, and surface area of these given shapes.

ACTIVITY THREE:

* Students will write about how to find surface area. Students' paper must be in paragraph form and have a well written beginning, middle, and end.

Name _________________ Date __________________ Per._______

GATHERING INFORMATION FOR SURFACE AREA:

RUBRIC: