Middle School Geometry--Grade 6--Lesson 3: Surface Area

This lesson explores how to calculate the surface area of three-dimensional figures, including cubes, rectangular prisms, triangular prisms, and cylinders. Students learn how to break down 3D shapes into nets, calculate the areas of individual faces, and combine these areas to find the total surface area. Worked-out examples guide students step-by-step through finding surface areas using both real-world and mathematical problems. Students also apply the Pythagorean Theorem in cases involving triangular prisms. The instructional approach emphasizes visual modeling, net construction, and connections to everyday objects such as buildings and containers. Throughout the lesson, students are encouraged to sketch nets, reason abstractly, and build their own diagrams. This lesson aligns with CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.G.A.4 and strengthens foundational skills in geometric measurement and spatial visualization.

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