Year 5 - Maths
Explain how to calculate the volume of compound shapes
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 compound shapes.
Key Notes
- Compound shapes can be split into cubes and cuboids in different ways.
- Compound shapes can be split in different ways but the volume stays the same.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Compound shape: A compound shape is a shape created with two or more basic shapes.
- Strategy: A strategy is a planned approach used to solve a problem.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may default to trying to use the same strategy for every shape, for example, the 'partition and add' can be applied to most shapes although it might not be the most efficient.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Compound shapes can be split into cubes and cuboids in different ways. Compound shapes can be split in different ways but the volume stays the same.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Compound shape'
A compound shape is a shape created with two or more basic shapes. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Pupils may default to trying to use the same strategy for every shape, for example, the 'partition and add' can be applied to most shapes although it might not be the most efficient. Correction: Spend time exploring each strategy with basic dimensions for compound shapes at first. Explore different strategies for the same shape and encourage children to reason which strategy might be most efficient to use.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 5 Maths guide library.