Year 5 - Maths
Explain how to calculate the volume of a cuboid and a cube
Understand the concept of volume
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will explain what volume is using a range of contexts and describe the units used to measure volume. They will explain how to calculate the volume of a cuboid.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain how to calculate the volume of a cuboid and a cube.
Key Notes
- A cube is a special cuboid where the faces are all square and all the edges are the same length.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Cubic centimetre: A cubic centimetre is volume that is made by a cube that is 1 centimetre on each edge.
- Cubic metre: A cubic metre is volume that is made by a cube that is 1 metre on each edge.
- Cube number: A cube number is the product of three repeated whole numbers.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils find the incorrect volume of a cuboid or cube by only counting what they can see. This may be the faces or whole cubes that are forward facing.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
A cube is a special cuboid where the faces are all square and all the edges are the same length. A cube is a special cuboid where the faces are all square and all the edges are the same length.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Cubic centimetre'
A cubic centimetre is volume that is made by a cube that is 1 centimetre on each edge. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Pupils find the incorrect volume of a cuboid or cube by only counting what they can see. This may be the faces or whole cubes that are forward facing. Correction: Encourage pupils to create the cuboids or cubes for themselves as well as show pupils how the cuboids or cubes are constructed as layers of rows and columns.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 5 Maths guide library.