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published by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
This simple Java applet for grades 5-8 lets users explore how volume is calculated in a box-shaped object. The user fills the box, layer upon layer, with small cubes to see why volume is a cubic function in a rectangular prism. Dimensions of the object can be easily changed by adjusting the width, depth, or height.

See Related Items for a more complex simulation that explores volume in both rectangular prisms and triangular prisms.

This resource is part of a larger collection of lessons, labs, and activities developed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).

Please note that this resource requires Java Applet Plug-in.
Subjects Levels Resource Types
General Physics
- Measurement/Units
= Units and Dimensional Analysis
Other Sciences
- Mathematics
- Middle School
- Elementary School
- Instructional Material
= Activity
= Interactive Simulation
Appropriate Courses Categories Ratings
- Physical Science
- Physics First
- Lesson Plan
- Activity
- New teachers
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Intended Users:
Learner
General Public
Formats:
application/java
text/html
Access Rights:
Free access
Restriction:
© 2003 National Council of Teachers of Mathematics; http://illuminations.nctm.org/TermsOfUse.aspx
Keywords:
geometry, measurement, rectangular prism, volume, volume simulation
Record Cloner:
Metadata instance created February 1, 2011 by Caroline Hall
Record Updated:
August 17, 2016 by Lyle Barbato
Last Update
when Cataloged:
July 15, 2008

AAAS Benchmark Alignments (2008 Version)

9. The Mathematical World

9C. Shapes
  • 6-8: 9C/M7. For regularly shaped objects, relationships exist between the linear dimensions, surface area, and volume.
  • 6-8: 9C/M10. Geometric relationships can be described using symbolic equations.
  • 9-12: 9C/H3a. Geometric shapes and relationships can be described in terms of symbols and numbers—and vice versa.

12. Habits of Mind

12B. Computation and Estimation
  • 6-8: 12B/M3. Calculate the circumferences and areas of rectangles, triangles, and circles, and the volumes of rectangular solids.
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Record Link
AIP Format
(National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Reston, 2003), WWW Document, (https://illuminations.nctm.org/Activity.aspx?id=4095).
AJP/PRST-PER
Illuminations: Cubes (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Reston, 2003), <https://illuminations.nctm.org/Activity.aspx?id=4095>.
APA Format
Illuminations: Cubes. (2008, July 15). Retrieved October 8, 2024, from National Council of Teachers of Mathematics: https://illuminations.nctm.org/Activity.aspx?id=4095
Chicago Format
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Illuminations: Cubes. Reston: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, July 15, 2008. https://illuminations.nctm.org/Activity.aspx?id=4095 (accessed 8 October 2024).
MLA Format
Illuminations: Cubes. Reston: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 2003. 15 July 2008. 8 Oct. 2024 <https://illuminations.nctm.org/Activity.aspx?id=4095>.
BibTeX Export Format
@misc{ Title = {Illuminations: Cubes}, Publisher = {National Council of Teachers of Mathematics}, Volume = {2024}, Number = {8 October 2024}, Month = {July 15, 2008}, Year = {2003} }
Refer Export Format

%T Illuminations: Cubes %D July 15, 2008 %I National Council of Teachers of Mathematics %C Reston %U https://illuminations.nctm.org/Activity.aspx?id=4095 %O application/java

EndNote Export Format

%0 Electronic Source %D July 15, 2008 %T Illuminations: Cubes %I National Council of Teachers of Mathematics %V 2024 %N 8 October 2024 %8 July 15, 2008 %9 application/java %U https://illuminations.nctm.org/Activity.aspx?id=4095


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Illuminations: Cubes:

Covers the Same Topic As CSERD Interactivate: Surface Area and Volume

This is a somewhat more complex simulation that allows students to compare volume calculations for rectangular prisms and triangular prisms. Includes lesson and tips for teachers.

relation by Caroline Hall

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