Shape       

Copyright David & Cynthia Thomas, 2009

 

Surface Area and Volume--Directed Activity: The Surface Area of an Open Top Box

                                         

Focus

Surface area of an open top box.

Technologies

The Geometers Sketchpad  and model 6_BoxSurfArea

Background

 

Figure 6.12: Surface of an Open Top Box

Tasks

Using The Geometers Sketchpad  and model 6_BoxSurfArea, answer the following questions

·        As you change the size of the corner cut, what happens to the surface area?

·        Is there a maximum surface area?  A minimum surface area?

·        How would you employ the model to develop a deep understanding of the concept of surface area of rectangular solids?

·        How would you use the models to help students discover and test a formula for surface area?