Tools to teach children the formula for prism volume.

Children can compare their calculations of cubic centimeters with measured centimeter cubes.
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updated April 11, 2024

Description

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Children learning about the the volume of prisms can experience this formula and see that it works. 

First, they can calculate the volume of space inside each prism by measuring its length, width and height. The general formula for any prism is: area of the base multiplied by the height. 

Second, they can compare the calculated number of cubic centimeters with what they measure using plastic or wooden centimeter cubes. 

The goal is to let them see that the formula for a prism's volume applies to many different shapes.

Here's a demonstration: Free 3D-printer files for teaching the formula for the volume of a prism. (youtube.com)

Printing notes: since these structures have sharp corners, they may lift off the build plate as the print cools and the filament contracts. We used a wide brim and thin print layers. 

Accuracy: We made the void's volume slightly larger than the total volume of the centimeter cubes. That's so you can fit the cubes inside and remove them without damaging the structure. But, this means that the actual volumes are different (i.e., if you measure the volume of the void by filling it with water then pouring the water into a graduated cylinder, you will see a significant discrepancy compared with the counted cubic centimeters). But this is likely too subtle for children who are first learning about prism volumes.  

For many free educational resources, please visit us at TestPrepLLC.org 

Model origin

The author marked this model as their own original creation.

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