The Water Tank math problem was found on the Dan Meyer’s 3-Act Math task website. This problem has students figure out of fast it takes to fill up the water tank. This activity can be found at the following link:

http://mrmeyer.com/threeacts/watertank/

Students will first watch a 17 second video of a water tank being filled. After the students watch the video, they will make guesses, one that is too high and one that is too low, on how long they think it will take to fill up the tank. After making their guesses, students will then discuss what information is needed to solve this problem. Students will then work on the information discussed to see if they can determine how long the water tank takes to fill. After the students determine an answer from their information, another 12 second video will be displayed and students will determine if their answer was right or wrong. An additional exercise is determining how fast it takes the tank to empty.

The Common Core State Standards that are addressed in this problem are from High School Geometry: Geometric Measurement and Dimension:

G-GMD.3 Use volume formulas for cylinders, pyramids, cones, and spheres to solve problems.

G-GMD.4 Identify the shapes of two-dimensional cross-sections of three-dimensional objects, and identify three-dimensional objects generated by rotations of two-dimensional objects.

Students will reach these standards through the videos and through the investigation of information. I will begin the activity by showing the first video. Then I will ask my students what information is needed in order to solve the problem and what formulas are needed to find the answer to the problem. The students will meet the first standard by determining a volume equation that will give us the correct answer. The students will meet the second standard by determining what two-dimensional shapes make up the three-dimensional shape. This could help us create a volume formula that we could use to find the answer. Students will also need help converting from volume into desired units. After the volume is determined, students will then convert the volume into ounces, watch a video on how long it takes to fill 16 ounces, and then finally determine how much time it takes to fill the water tank. Students will be formatively assessed through classroom discussions, group discussions, and the use of a worksheet.

This lesson is a great way to get students engaged and enjoy the activity because the lesson is interactive and has videos. Students would work in small groups and as a class to determine the answer the question. I have found that students work better in small groups and work better when they can share their ideas with the class. This is a way to build respect and rapport between the students and with the teacher. Also, the teacher can better monitor the students learning progress and manage the classroom. Technology is integrated into the lesson when the students are viewing the videos and images from the website that was given above.