Students investigate what happens when cubes of different sizes are constructed from unit cubes, the surface areas are painted, and the large cubes are taken apart. Students practice working with perimeter, length, and area, as they discuss the efficiency of shading the exterior of a home. A hands-on demonstration of the formula for the surface area of a sphere that uses a ball and a piece of wrapping paper to turn the formula for the area of a rectangle into the formula for the area of a sphere. They will also determine the proper amount of glassed area to be placed on a structure for maximum energy efficiency. A hands-on demonstration of the relation between diameter and circumference, and why the formula pi x diameter works every time.
Students construct an instrument to measure tree height, and learn how to use it.
Students investigate what happens when cubes of different sizes are constructed from unit cubes, the surface areas are painted, and the large cubes are taken apart. The method of leveling used in this activity is essentially what has been used for hundreds of years - the only major difference is that the level is supported by a tripod and the straw is replaced by a small telescope. This activity is well suited to a camp situation. Students find the optimum angle of a hose to achieve the greatest distance a stream of water will travel. In this activity students will use their knowledge of geometry and trig.