Learning how to calculate volume and surface area of cubes is no easy task. Using one to find the other is even more challenging. So how do we get students to engage in the lesson? Connect it to something they understand, which in this particular lesson is hazardous waste containers. But why use hazardous waste containers? The numbers are large, and the students get to use their imaginations trying to picture what the tanks would actually look like. They get to have fun, work with big numbers they have to use calculators to find, all while getting engaged in the lesson.

Adding the use of your document camera helps students visualize, and learn how to properly organzine and arrange their packets and answers. Plus the added benefit of being able to write and keep an eye on your students at the same time.

The following description, lesson plan, and worksheet (with answer key) help demonstrate what exactly is going on. Model lesson plan 2