Mathematics: It all adds up

In Mathematics this week, Year 5 have been learning how to calculate the volume of prisms. In their practical session, the children were first tasked with matching formulae with 2D shapes such as triangles, circles, parallelograms and trapeziums. This was to remind students to calculate the area of the cross-section first, before calculating the volume. Next, they worked in small groups and were given trays containing hollow shapes, sand, spoons and a volume cylinder. This was testing a range of different skills that are used across the curriculum, such as measuring accurately with different equipment. The shapes were filled with sand and levelled off. The groups then carefully poured the sand into a measuring cylinder and the level was noted. Using a ruler, key measurements of the shape were taken to manually work out the volume and compare the results measured with the volume of sand. The students realised a relationship between cubic centimetres and millilitres when they spotted the units for their calculations were different to the units on the measuring cylinder. Year 5 thoroughly enjoyed their investigation.