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  4. A4 Paper Cylinder
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A4 Paper Cylinder


Grade Work Samples
End of Stage 4 (end of Year 8)
Grade A Bailey   Dale   Kim   Shane   Sam  
Grade B Tracy  
Grade C Huong   Morgan  
Grade D Robyn   Kerry  
Grade E Terry   Ricky  
New Work Samples
Shannon

Description of activity

An A4 piece of paper can be rolled to form a cylinder in two different ways, resulting in either a ‘tall thin cylinder’ or a ‘short fat cylinder’.

Draw a sketch of the two cylinders.

Determine which cylinder would hold the most.

Explain your method, showing measurements and calculations used.

Material developed by Dr Doug Clarke for the NSW Government.

Context

Measurement, Working Mathematically

This assessment activity could be presented to students at the end of a unit on Volume and Capacity, where students have been investigating the volumes of cylinders.

Outcomes

Perimeter and Area (MS4.1)
Uses formulae and Pythagoras’ theorem in calculating perimeter and area of circles and figures composed of rectangles and triangles

Surface Area and Volume (MS4.2)
Calculates surface area of rectangular and triangular prisms and volume of right prisms and cylinders

Applying Strategies (WMS4.2)
Analyses a mathematical or real-life situation, solving problems using technology where appropriate

Communicating (WMS4.3)
Uses mathematical terminology and notation, algebraic symbols, diagrams, text and tables to communicate mathematical ideas

Reasoning (WMS4.4)
Identifies relationships and the strengths and weaknesses of different strategies and solutions, giving reasons

Reflecting (WMS4.5)
Links mathematical ideas and makes connections with, and generalisations about, existing knowledge and understanding in relation to Stage 4 content

Criteria for assessing learning

(These criteria would normally be communicated to students with the activity.)
Students will be assessed on their ability to:

  • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of properties of cylinders
  • analyse and solve problems and communicate mathematical ideas.

Possible prompts to assist student engagement

  • What measurements of the A4 paper can you make?
  • Where would you place these measurements on your sketches of the two cylinders?
  • Do you remember the formula for calculating the volume of a cylinder? (If not, teacher to provide the formula.)
  • How can you find the radius of the base of the cylinder?
  • Do you remember the formula for the circumference of a circle?

Suggested materials

Pen, pencil, paper, ruler, pair of compasses

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