Learning Development

Eric Baierl

EFT4

Task 602.4.15-21

WGU

Concept of Surface Area

Eric Baierl

EFT4

Task 602.4.15-21

WGU

For a teacher to begin to introduce students in fifth or sixth grade to the concept of how to find the surface area of a cube the students must first possess a number of prerequisite skills. These skills should be reviewed with the students in order to make sure that they will be able solve various problems involving the surface area of a cube. In this essay I will explain which prerequisite skills are necessary for teaching students about the surface area of a cube and what they will need to know to be able to solve problems involving this concept. I will then describe how I could introduce the concept of how to find the surface area of a cube and how I would teach students the skills needed to turn “2-dimensional” materials into a 3-dimensional cube. Lastly, I will explain how I would teach students the skills necessary to determine the exterior surface area of a cube.

I will begin with the essential obligatory skills students will need in order to find the surface area of a cube. Basically, a student will need to know multiplication concepts, as well as, basic addition skills. The students should also be able to point out and explain what objects have three-dimensional shapes and which objects do not. More specifically they need to know that a 3-dimensional cube has six sides. I would show the students, and have them hold and examine, an actual cube in order to show them the six sides and explain that each of the sides are equal to each other.

A good way to introduce students to the concept of cube surface area is to teach or review the formula of how to find the area of a a 2-dimensional square. Students need to know that in order to find the total surface area of a cube they must first find the area of one of the squares that shape the six sides of that cube....