Volume Value
Have three different brands of popping corn available to the class. A large
range in prices (one economy, one moderately priced and one expensive) will give
the experiment more impact. Assign students to groups of three or four and ask
them to design an experiment that will determine which popping corn is the best
value by comparing the cost of eight ounces of unpopped corn with the volume of
the popped corn. Discuss each group's method with your class. Carry out the
experiments with the class. Students must show work and formulas they used.
They should answer the following questions: Is there a difference in brands?
If so, which brand is the best value? Why is this a better buy? Are there
other factors you want to consider besides price per unit? If so, what are
they?
Performance Assessment:
L Students should use base ten blocks to design their own rectangular prism.
L They will make a drawing of the solid figure with accurately labeled
dimensions.
L They will state volume.
Conclusion:
Students will be able to learn how to estimate volume using the phenomenological
approach as well as participate in a hands on activity to calculate volume.
Once skill is learned, students will be able to apply to real life situations.
References:
Burton, Grace M., Hopkins, Martha H., Johnson, Howard C., Kaplan, Jerome D.,
Kennedy, Leonard M., and Schultz, Karen A.: Mathematics Plus: HBJ Teacher's
Edition Grade 4: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc. 1992
Harcourt Brace and Company