Activity: Outdoor Learning – Outside With Perimeter, Area And Volume – Year 10

Quick summary: During this lesson students investigate, measure and use formulas outdoors in preparation for furthering their understanding in the topic of geometry. They apply their understanding of perimeter, area and volume to real world situations by looking for and recording a range of shapes around their school. Students will develop communication skills as they justify answers and reflect on the topic.

This lesson is designed to be taught outside. It contains all the tools required for students to reap the benefits of being outdoors while learning the outcomes of the Australian Curriculum. By spending time outdoors and connecting to nature, students are more likely to care for and conserve nature as adults.

Learning goals:

• Students investigate and determine volumes and areas of 2D and 3D shapes by considering the individual solids from which they are constructed.
• Students recognise how geometry skills can be applied to real world situations.
• Students recognise the mental, physical and academic benefits of completing classroom activities outside.

21st century skills:

Australian Curriculum Mapping

Content descriptions:

Year 10 Mathematics

• Solve problems involving surface area and volume for a range of prisms, cylinders and composite solids (ACMMG242)

General capabilities: Numeracy, Critical and Creative Thinking.

Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.2.

Relevant parts of Year 10 Mathematics achievement standards: Students solve surface area and volume problems relating to composite solids.

Topic: Outdoor Learning, Biodiversity.

Unit of work: Outdoor Learning Unit.

Time required: 60-70 mins.

Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – oversee activity and facilitate discussion.

Resources required: Student Worksheet – one copy per student OR computers/tablets to access the online worksheet. Device capable of presenting a website to the class. One copy of the Looking for Shapes – Worksheet for each group. Pen/texta and paper for creating mind-maps. Optional – Formula sheet – Perimeter, Area and Volume.

Digital technology opportunities: Digital sharing capabilities.

Keywords: Geometry, area, perimeter, volume, capacity, outdoor learning.

Cool Australia would like to thank the Albert George & Nancy Caroline Youngman Trust – managed by Equity Trustees.

Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.