Domain 3 - Instruction
I conducted a lesson on unit cubes to introduce the concept of volume to my 5th graders. I knew I need to use manipulatives to allow my students to gain a conceptual understanding of how they can find the volume of a rectangular prism using unit cubes. I know my students by now and realized they work and learn better when there are hands-on activities or something different that engages them. I decided to use the manipulatives of unit centimeter cubes, pop-cubes, and caramel candies to engage and motivate the students. All my students were engaged throughout the lesson activities (FEAP 3a)
Normally I have the same three or four students who seem bored and have their head down during a lesson. For this lesson, however, I was able to give every student cm cubes to create solid figures. I used the manipulatives throughout the entire lesson, even when I was teaching the concept of length, width, and height to determine volume. I was happy that I was able to capture the attention of those students who normally do not enjoy learning math (FEAP 3g).
Once I thought the students had grasped the concept, I challenged them further by giving them an incentive to perform their task. I provided each table group a bag of 12 caramels and told them to work collaboratively to figure out how they can create 11 rectangular prisms with different dimensions. I challenged them further by telling them they could share and eat the candies if they could identify the different dimensions. Every student was engaged.
Analysis
As I walked around the room, I realized my students had not noticed that the same rectangular prism could be modified to make 2 other shapes. Once I clarified and modeled how to see the different dimensions, they were able to complete the work (FEAP 3i). In the future I will make sure I show my students and example, prior to having them complete the activity(FEAP 3j)
I finalized the lesson with an exit ticket that would have the students build 7 rectangular prisms using 8 cubes and identify the volume by multiplying the length, width, and the height together. When students realized the number of cubes was the same as the volume, they were able to build a conceptual understanding of the formula they will learn in the next lesson.
I felt like using manipulatives was necessary for this lesson to be taught well. I enjoyed the fact that all my students were attentive and engaged. I would like to try to incorporate manipulatives as much as possible with my future lessons.