Lesson Description:
Cereal Box Surface Area is a group project in which students create a net of a rectangular prism from a cereal box and then
use it to determine the surface area and volume of the box. Students also find the weight of the cereal and use it to
determine weight to volume ratios. Finally, students complete a quick mathematical scavenger hunt on their cereal box.
The finished cereal box projects are perfect for classroom display.
Math Content:
Surface Area, Volume, Measurement, Ratios, Rectangular Prism, Fractions, Decimals, Net of a Rectangular Prism, Converting
Fractions to Decimals
Time Required: 1-2
Class Periods
Cereal Box Surface Area Project includes:
- 3 Cereal Box Surface Area student worksheets
- 3 Cereal Box Surface Area student worksheet Answer Keys
- 2 Cereal Box Surface Area Teacher Tips pages
- 1 Cereal Box Surface Area Cover Sheet
Materials Needed:
Empty cereal boxes (one for each group), rulers, markers
Suggested Grade Level:
5th-8th
Teacher Testimonial: Cereal Box Surface Area is a group project that puts surface area and volume into a context that students can
relate to. Whether it's Lucky Charms or Raisin Bran, virtually all students eat cereal. Breakfast will never be
the same again! This project will help students see mathematics everywhere in the world around them. The project
itself is packed with powerful math.
Enjoy your project!!
Mark P. Tully
