Wyoming Math 5.MD.5a
The Standard
Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and solve real-world and mathematical problems involving volume. Find the volume of a right rectangular prism with whole number dimensions by multiplying them. Show that this volume is the same as when counting unit cubes.
2023 Wyoming Mathematics Content and Performance Standards · Geometric measurement: understand concepts of volume and relate volume to multiplication and to addition.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students count unit cubes in a rectangular prism, then find the same volume by multiplying its three whole-number dimensions. They explain the multiplication using equal layers and label the answer in cubic units.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Given a 3 by 4 by 5 prism, a student finds 60 cubic units and shows five layers of 12 cubes. They can explain why counting every cube gives the same total.
Common Misconceptions
- Some students multiply only two dimensions and find the area of one face. Others count only visible cubes or label volume in square units.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: A prism is 4 cubes long, 3 cubes wide, and 2 cubes high. How many unit cubes fill it? Show the cubes in one layer, the number of layers, and a multiplication sentence.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Build a 3 by 4 by 2 prism with unit cubes, count each layer, then write the multiplication sentence.
Ask: A box has three layers of 4 by 2 cubes. Why does 3 × 4 × 2 count every cube?
Draw three number cards from 1 to 6, sketch the prism, and calculate its volume; have a partner check the layers.
Label a rectangular box 6 cm by 4 cm by 3 cm, then calculate how many 1 cm cubes would fill it.
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Printable 5.MD.5a Worksheet
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