Detail Page
published by
the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
This applet-based resource was developed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics as an example of how to teach about volume and surface area in the middle grades. Students manipulate the side length and scale factor of one of two rectangles. The applet provides values for volume and surface area of each rectangle, allowing students to quickly see the impact on volume of even a small change. Graphs may also be viewed, showing the cubic nature of volume and the quadratic nature of surface area.
See Related Items for another editor-recommended 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.
AAAS Benchmark Alignments (2008 Version)9. The Mathematical World
9C. Shapes
12. Habits of Mind
12B. Computation and Estimation
ComPADRE is beta testing Citation Styles!
![]() <a href="https://www.compadre.org/precollege/items/detail.cfm?ID=10648">National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. NCTM: Side Length, Volume, and Surface Area of Similar Solids. Reston: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, July 15, 2008.</a>
![]() (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Reston, 2003), WWW Document, (https://www.nctm.org/Classroom-Resources/Illuminations/Interactives/Side-Length,-Volume,-and-Surface-Area-of-Similar-Solids/).
![]() NCTM: Side Length, Volume, and Surface Area of Similar Solids (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Reston, 2003), <https://www.nctm.org/Classroom-Resources/Illuminations/Interactives/Side-Length,-Volume,-and-Surface-Area-of-Similar-Solids/>.
![]() NCTM: Side Length, Volume, and Surface Area of Similar Solids. (2008, July 15). Retrieved February 17, 2025, from National Council of Teachers of Mathematics: https://www.nctm.org/Classroom-Resources/Illuminations/Interactives/Side-Length,-Volume,-and-Surface-Area-of-Similar-Solids/
![]() National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. NCTM: Side Length, Volume, and Surface Area of Similar Solids. Reston: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, July 15, 2008. https://www.nctm.org/Classroom-Resources/Illuminations/Interactives/Side-Length,-Volume,-and-Surface-Area-of-Similar-Solids/ (accessed 17 February 2025).
![]() NCTM: Side Length, Volume, and Surface Area of Similar Solids. Reston: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 2003. 15 July 2008. 17 Feb. 2025 <https://www.nctm.org/Classroom-Resources/Illuminations/Interactives/Side-Length,-Volume,-and-Surface-Area-of-Similar-Solids/>.
![]() @misc{
Title = {NCTM: Side Length, Volume, and Surface Area of Similar Solids},
Publisher = {National Council of Teachers of Mathematics},
Volume = {2025},
Number = {17 February 2025},
Month = {July 15, 2008},
Year = {2003}
}
![]() %T NCTM: Side Length, Volume, and Surface Area of Similar Solids %D July 15, 2008 %I National Council of Teachers of Mathematics %C Reston %U https://www.nctm.org/Classroom-Resources/Illuminations/Interactives/Side-Length,-Volume,-and-Surface-Area-of-Similar-Solids/ %O application/java ![]() %0 Electronic Source %D July 15, 2008 %T NCTM: Side Length, Volume, and Surface Area of Similar Solids %I National Council of Teachers of Mathematics %V 2025 %N 17 February 2025 %8 July 15, 2008 %9 application/java %U https://www.nctm.org/Classroom-Resources/Illuminations/Interactives/Side-Length,-Volume,-and-Surface-Area-of-Similar-Solids/ Disclaimer: ComPADRE offers citation styles as a guide only. We cannot offer interpretations about citations as this is an automated procedure. Please refer to the style manuals in the Citation Source Information area for clarifications.
Citation Source Information
The AIP Style presented is based on information from the AIP Style Manual. The APA Style presented is based on information from APA Style.org: Electronic References. The Chicago Style presented is based on information from Examples of Chicago-Style Documentation. The MLA Style presented is based on information from the MLA FAQ. NCTM: Side Length, Volume, and Surface Area of Similar Solids:
Covers the Same Topic As
CSERD Interactivate: Surface Area and Volume
To extend the concept, this Java-based activity explores volume of both a rectangular prism and a triangular prism. It allows the student to do computations and check answers. relation by Caroline HallKnow of another related resource? Login to relate this resource to it. |
SupplementsContributeRelated Materials
Covers the Same Topic As
Similar Materials |