Modeling with Geometry Assignment #1

Objective:
Students will learn to use their knowledge of geometric shapes and formulas to calculate surface area
and volume in items that are in their surroundings. Students will practice their technology skills by
conducting online research of the item’s dimensions. Through critical thinking, they will reflect on
whether or not the item has efficient packaging based on the space use.
CA Content Standards:
• G-MG.1 Use geometric shapes, their measures, and their properties to describe objects (e.g.,
modeling a tree trunk or a human torso as a cylinder).
• G-MG.3 Apply geometric methods to solve design problems (e.g., designing an object or
structure to satisfy physical constraints or minimize cost; working with typographic grid systems
based on ratios).
• G-GMD.3 Use volume formulas for cylinders, pyramids, cones, and spheres to solve problems.

Observing your Surroundings

Background:
Shapes are everywhere around us, both in 2-D and in 3-D. In looking at products in the market,
some items are packaged in ways that reduce packaging waste, make efficient use of the
packaging to the product, and save on packaging expenses. For example, Kleenex tissues are
sometimes packaged in cube-shaped boxes or sometimes in boxes shaped like rectangular
prisms. Juices can be packaged in small, rectangular juice boxes, or sometimes in cylindrical
cans for juice concentrates. As we move towards a greener planet and try to reduce our waste
in packaging, it is becoming more and more important for companies to make efficient use of
the containers and packaging that hold their products.

Assignment:
In this assignment, you will look at your surroundings and apply your knowledge of surface
area and volume. Identify a container or object of your everyday use to explore. As you select
the container or object, consider what shape composes the object. Can you calculate the
surface area and volume of the object? Are the dimensions of the container efficient for the
product it contains?
You will use the graphic organizer below as you explore the object/container of your choosing.
A sample, pre-filled, graphic organizer has also been included to model this assignment. The
information in the graphic organizer must clearly:

1. List the object that you will be analyzing.

2. Identify the shape the object most similarly resembles.
3. Include an image of both the object you chose and the shape you are comparing it to.
4. Include online research of the dimensions of the object (length, width, height, and/or
radius). Label the source of your dimensions.
5. Identify a formula to use and use the dimensions to calculate for surface area and
volume. Show your work.
6. Compare the volume you calculated and that included in the label. Conclude if the
calculation was accurate, or not, using reasoning. Reflect on whether or not the
container is making good use of its dimensions and constraints for the item that it is
holding inside and therefore makes for efficient packaging.

Here are a few resources that you may use to help you complete this assignment. The websites
selected have been hyperlinked:
• Identifying Shapes (Math is Fun)
• Volume Formulas (Byju's)
• Surface Area Formulas (Byju's)
• Scientific Calculator (Desmos)
• Volume Unit Conversion (Unit Converters)
• Articles about efficient packaging
o LanTech
o Industrial Packaging

Please review the grading rubric to know the requirements and what is expected of this
assignment. This is an individual assignment; however, you are encouraged to talk to your peers
during class if you are feeling unsure of any sections. After you have completed the assignment,
you may submit it as an attachment to the form below. Please email me if you have any
questions at [email protected] or refer back to the home page for more ways to
contact me.
 Graphic Organizer Template

Research (5 points) Surface Area

Dimensions: Formula: _____________

*L and W not needed if object is a cylinder, sphere, or cone.
Radius is not needed if object is not a cylinder, sphere, or Calculations:
cone.*
Height:______
Length:______
Width: ______
Radius:______ Surface Area: ___________
Source:

Object:___________
Shape:___________

Volume
Reflection
Formula: _____________
Volume Calculated: ______
Volume contained ( on label): ______
Calculations:
Reflection:
Do my calculations seem accurate? Why or why not? Based on
my calculations, do I think the the item has efficient
pacakaging? If not, what would make the packaging be more
efficient?

Volume: ___________
 Graphic Organizer Model

Research (5 points) Surface Area

Dimensions: Formula: _𝑆𝐴 = 2(𝑙𝑤 + 𝑙ℎ + 𝑤𝑙)__

*L and W not needed if object is a cylinder, sphere, or cone. Radius is Calculations:
not needed if object is not a cylinder, sphere, or cone.* 𝑆𝐴 = 2 𝑙𝑤 + 𝑙ℎ + 𝑤ℎ
Height:_8.31 in____ 𝑆𝐴 = 2 [ 3.74𝑖𝑛 ∗ 2.45𝑖𝑛) + (3.74𝑖𝑛 ∗ 8.31𝑖𝑛) + (2.45𝑖𝑛 ∗ 8.31𝑖𝑛 ]
Length:_3.74 in____ 𝑆𝐴 = 2 9.163 𝑖𝑛! + 31.08 𝑖𝑛! + 20.36 𝑖𝑛!
Width: _2.45 in____ 𝑆𝐴 = 2 60.602𝑖𝑛!
Radius:__none____ 𝑆𝐴 = 121.20𝑖𝑛!
Source: Surface Area: __121.20 squared inches___
Walmart (hyperlinked)

Object:__Silk Soy Milk__

Shape:__Rectangular Prism__

Volume Reflection
Formula: __𝑉 = 𝑙 ∗ 𝑤 ∗ ℎ____ Volume Calculated: ___76.14 𝑖𝑛" __
Volume contained ( on label): __32 oz__(57.75𝑖𝑛" )___
Calculations: Reflection:
𝑉 =𝑙∗𝑤∗ℎ Do my calculations seem accurate? Why or why not? Based on my
calculations, do I think the the item has efficient pacakaging? If not,
𝑉 = 3.74 𝑖𝑛 ∗ 2.45 𝑖𝑛 ∗ 8.31𝑖𝑛 what would make the packaging be more efficient?
𝑉 = 76.14 𝑖𝑛"
Yes, my calaculations seem accurate because the volume that I
Volume: ___76.14 𝑖𝑛" ____ calculated isn't taking into consisderation the thickness of the
cardboard. Therefore, the volume of milk inside would be less than
calculated, which it is. I think that the packaging is efficient because it
is making use of most of the space. The volume that was not
accounted for was the packaging but reducing the thickness of the
cardboard could put at risky the sturdiness of the packaging and the
freshness of the product.
 Grading Rubric

Criteria Points

Research 4
Research includes the all the dimensions of the object. The resource
is clearly linked (hyperlinked) and it is accessible. An image may be
included in lieu of a link; however, it should demonstrate that the
student has used technology to access this information.
Surface Area Calculations 6
The formula is clearly stated and accurate to the shape of object.
Student calculates the information and shows their work without
skipping any steps. The student correctly calculates the value of the
surface area and uses the correct units of measurement (squared
units).
Volume Calculations 6
The formula is clearly stated and accurate to the shape of object.
Student calculates the information and shows their work without
skipping any steps. The student correctly calculates the value of the
surface area and uses the correct units of measurement (cubic
units).
Reflection 6
The calculated volume is restated, and the labeled volume is
included. A unit conversion was done if the units of both volumes
were different. The converted volume is included as well. The
reflection answers the questions asked and also demonstrates that
the student is using critical thinking and reasoning to come to a
conclusion. The response is thorough and solid.
Clarity 3
A minimum of two images are included, one of the item and one of
the shape it resembles. The correct shape was chosen to resemble
the item. The graphic organizer is not altered, and the information
presented is clear to the reader. No grammar mistakes are found.
Total 25