How many blocks?

How many blocks?

Pencil and paper
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Working with Students
Further Resources
This task is about working out area and volume.
How-many-blocks.png
Use the diagram to help answer the following questions.

Question 2Change answer

a)  How many of the small blocks will fill the large box?

Question 2Change answer

b)  What is the area of the front of the large box (the shaded part)?  cm2

Question 2Change answer

c)  What is the volume of the small block?  cm3
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper or online (with auto marking displayed to students).
Level:
4
Curriculum info: 
Maths, Geometry and Measurement, Measurement
Keywords: 
area, volume, cuboids
Description of task: 
Students calculate the number of 2cm blocks fit into a given 3-dimensional block model, and answer questions about one face, and volume of the block model.
Curriculum Links: 
This resource can help to identify students' understanding of volume and multiplicative strategies.
Learning Progression Frameworks
This resource can provide evidence of learning associated with
Measurement sense, sets 6-7
Multiplicative thinking, sets 6-7
within the Mathematics Learning Progressions Frameworks.
Read more about the Learning Progressions Frameworks.
Answers/responses: 
   

Y8 (05/1998)
a) 12 easy
b) 24 difficult
c) 8 difficult
Diagnostic and formative information: 
  Student response Likely calculation Likely misconception
b) 6 3 × 2 Number of blocks that make up the front face.
c) 6 2 + 2 + 2 Add dimensions instead of multiplying them.