The purpose of the lesson is for students to strengthen their understanding of geometric measurement and dimension by analyzing relationships between surface area and volume in application problems.

Starting the lesson by solving a problem involving area provides an entry point for students to explore properties of shapes that maximize surface area for a given volume. Then they study surface area to volume ratios of animals with different shapes and sizes. In an optional activity, students extend this thinking to compute relative strengths of various animals.

As students draw conclusions about surface area and volume relationships, they are making sense of a problem and persevering to solve it (MP1).

Technology isn’t required for this lesson, but there are opportunities for students to choose to use appropriate technology to solve problems. We recommend making technology available.