Keeping cool : when should you buy block ice or crushed ice?
URL: http://www.figurethis.org/challenges/c62/challenge.htm
Abstract: In this activity, students are asked to decide which would melt faster: a large block of ice or the same block cut into three cubes. The activity is one of 80 mathematical challenges featured on the FigureThis! web site. The animated introduction to this activity notes that surface area and volume are important to the work of architects, interior designers, and chemists. Students are encouraged to compare the surface area of the ice cubes to the larger block. The complete solution demonstrates how to calculate the surface area of the cubes as well as the large block of ice. Related questions ask students to determine surface area and volume for irregular shapes and to ascertain the relationship between surface area and volume in different situations. Answers to all questions and suggestions for other resources are included. Copyright 2005 Eisenhower National Clearinghouse
Grade Level: 6 - 8
Audience:Learner
Learning Resource Type: Lesson
Subjects: 
Subjects
Mathematics
Measurement
Area
Surface area
Volume
Format: text/html, image/gif
Contributors: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) (Author), National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) (Publisher)
Copyright Information: Content copyright 1999-2002 National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
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