Drawing Nets for 3-D Objects: Applied & Real-World Math 6th 7th 8th

Here is an 8th grade math lesson that incorporates Indigenous cultural learning along with math skills for calculating surface area and volume, drawing different views of 3-D objects, and constructing nets for 3-D objects. Students will learn about indigenous bentwood boxes and practice drawing nets of these items to help calculate surface area and volume in real-world scenarios.

How to Use:

• Print four pages of worksheets for each student.

• Go through the first page together to learn about bentwood boxes. Either show the video and webpages to the whole class or let students complete research in pairs or small groups. They must sketch at least one bentwood box and take some notes.

• Next, students complete calculations with the sample red box.

• NOTE: Assume the lid sits ON the sides (and does not cover the sides) like a true bentwood box. I have only used right angles here, which is not completely realistic for a bentwood box, but is appropriate for this level of math. The sides of the lid would have to be thick for this to work in real life.

• Students calculate the volume and surface area of the box and consider how capacity is different than volume in this case.

• On pages three and four, students draw nets for the three pieces of the bentwood box and use a simple scale (1 grid square = 8cm). Remind them that the box’s sides are made from one continuous piece of wood that is scored and bent.

• Finally, students can create a design on their net. See if they can determine what way the pieces fit together to ensure their design is oriented correctly.

This is a great way to apply geometry learning to a real-life task, and it incorporates indigenous culture into your math classroom.

Grades to Use With:

This lesson was specifically designed for British Columbia Mathematics 8 curriculum, but it can work in any classroom that is learning about surface area, volume, and nets of 3-D shapes in grades 6, 7, or 8.

What's Included: 6-Page PDF: Ready to Print and Use!

- Teacher Instructions

- Learn about Bentwood Boxes Handout

- Calculating Volume & Surface Area Worksheet

- Drawing Nets Worksheets

- Complete Answer Key