preprinted cubes
tape
container of sand
scissors
paper plate
ruler
Let's start by making a 3D cube out of a 2D piece of cardboard. Cut, fold, and tape the three cubes as shown. Measure the length of each cube:
| CUBE | Length (cm) |
| A | |
| B | |
| C |
The length of a side of Cube B is _______ times the length of Cube A. How many times bigger do you think the volume of Cube B is compared to Cube A? _______ times
In the following steps, keep the cubes over the paper plate to make clean up easier.
Pour sand into Cube A until the cube is full. Shake the cube gently so that the sand is flat across the top of the cube. Note: do not use the cube as a scoop because it is not strong enough to keep its shape.
Pour the sand from Cube A into Cube B. Repeat this until Cube B is completely full. Keep count of how many times you have to fill Cube A and record it in the table. Make sure Cube A is filled completely and is level each time. Now repeat this for Cube C.
| CUBE | Length | Predicted Volume | Measured Volume |
| B | _____ times Cube A | _____ times Cube A | _____ times Cube A |
| C | _____ times Cube A | _____ times Cube A | _____ times Cube A |
How close were your predictions?
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Extra credit: we made cubes that didn't have any tops. Below is a copy of the drawing that we used. How do you need to change this drawing to make a cube with a top on it? Try it.
