Prisms and Pyramids

Our class is starting a new unit about geometry and measurement.  After a week of observing the relationship between area and perimeter we began our study of volume.   Last week, we travelled to the cafeteria where students used milk crates, tape and paper to develop a strategy for determining how many crates could fit in a milk delivery truck.  From that work, students developed a strategy that could be used for finding the volume of any rectangular prism.  Our goals at this point are for students to:

1. Find the volume of rectangular prisms
2. Use standard units to measure volume
3. Identify how the dimensions of a box change when the volume is changed

In class, students spend time discussing problems and are often asked to share their reasoning and solutions.  It is important that children solve math problems in ways that make sense to them.  At home, you can encourage your child to explain his or her math thinking to you.  In addition, I plan to begin to assign homework that is review of concepts students need to continue to practice.  You will notice that tonight's homework is multiplication practice.