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. (See two pictures of the inside and outside of the cereal box on this page)
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Cereal Box Surface Area Preview Pages (4 of 9)
(View Actual Pages from the Cereal Box Surface Area Project)
Part of The Complete Collection of Lessons, Projects, and Games
(42 Math Lessons, Projects, and Games – 438 pages)
Included in Geometry Activities eBook
(6 Geometry Lessons and Projects)
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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.
Teachers Are Talking About Cereal Box Surface Area
“My students are loving this project! This was a great discovery project for finding surface area using nets.”
– Tracy Meyer, math teacher
“Very helpful to have a concrete example to work with on how to find surface area. Also liked the extension with ratios and volumes. Will use with my kids again!”
– Ashley M., math teacher
“Great idea, will use every year. Thanks!”
– Mary C., math teacher
“Love it! I’m using it for my lesson when I get evaluated.”
– Erica K., math teacher
“Great! Helped students with understanding for sure. :)”
– Janine D., math teacher
“LOVE! I used with my 6th and 7th graders!”
– TpT buyer, math teacher
“My students loved this. It helped a lot of them with understanding the concept.”
– Kristen G., math teacher
“Unbelievable great resource. Fun and common core based. WOW!!!!!”
– Jessica B., math teacher
Enjoy your project!!
Mark P. Tully
