Volume of a Composite Figure

Have your students mastered how to find the volume of rectangular prisms? Are they ready for the next challenge in their measurement unit? Teach Starter has created a match-up activity where students must find the volume of composite figures. 

If you are wondering what a composite figure is, it is simply 2 or more rectangular prisms or cubes put together. The volume of each part must be found first and then added together. With this match-up activity, most examples are limited to 2 figures put together (such as an L-shaped figure), but there are a few where students have three figures to put together.

Prior to student use, cut apart all 36 cards. Lamination is recommended. Students work to match each shape to the equation needed to determine the volume and the correct volume. They will make 12 sets of 3 cards and record their answers on the provided student recording sheet.

The goal of this resource is to practice writing equations and solving for the volume of composite rectangular prisms.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your math lessons. 

In addition to individual student work time, use this match-up activity to enhance learning through guided math groups, whole class lessons, or remote learning assignments. 

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

For students who need additional support, students can work one-on-one, in a small group, or with a peer tutor. Allow the use of a calculator, notes, and completed examples. Remove a few of the matching sets to lessen the workload.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

As an added challenge, ask students to rank all 12 composite figures in order from least volume to greatest volume, paying close attention to the units as well.

🔔 Bell Ringer Activity

Project a card for your students to see as soon as they enter the classroom. On a piece of paper or in their notebooks, have students determine the volume of the composite shape. Collect the papers or discuss the answers as a group.

🔚 Exit Activity

After your lesson, pass out cards to students as an assessment question they will answer on their own. Provide them with their own sticky note (use our Sticky Note Printing Guide + Template) so that they can turn in their answer, making sure they include their name at the top. 

Plan lessons for all ability levels with our 10 Best Scaffolding Strategies! 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download. 

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Sustainability Tip: Print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them. 

This resource was created by Lorin Davies, a teacher in Texas and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:  

teaching resource

Volume of Composite Rectangular Prisms – Worksheet

Calculate the volume of composite figures and solve real-world problems with this worksheet.