Volume Word Problems

Are your students learning how to relate volume to multiplication and addition? Maybe they have already learned how to find the volume of rectangular prisms and need additional practice with word problems. If so, Teach Starter has a set of task cards you can use in your classroom to help your students with this skill.

To complete this activity, place the task cards around the classroom and give each student a recording sheet. Students can begin with any card, solve the problem, and record their answers on their paper.

Through this activity, students will show they can relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real-world and mathematical problems involving volume.

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 these word problem task cards 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

If there are students who need additional support, invite them to refer to previous assignments, posters, or anchor charts. Additionally, students can complete this activity in a 1-on-1 setting or with a small group of students.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

For students who need a bit of a challenge, consider using the editable version to include more challenging numbers, fractions, and/or decimals.

🛴 Scoot Activity 

Place the cards around the room in numerical order and give each student a recording sheet. Assign students or pairs to a starting point card. Give students time to review the card and record their answers in the corresponding space on their paper. Students will rotate to the next card when you say, “SCOOT!” Continue in this manner until students return to their starting point.

👋 Exit Ticket 

Use these cards as a formative assessment after your lesson. Pick a random assortment of cards and project them on the board for the whole class to see. Students can record their answers on a sheet of paper, sticky note, or their notebook.

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 editable 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.

To keep the task cards out of pockets or under desks, punch a hole in the corner of each to place them on a binder ring.

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 Cassandra Friesen, a teacher in Colorado and Teach Starter Collaborator.

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

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Volume of Rectangular Prisms – Digital and Printable Worksheet

Practice finding the volume of rectangular prisms with a “This or That” worksheet.

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Finding Volume (Differentiated Worksheets)

Teach finding the volume of rectangular prisms and cubes with this set of differentiated worksheets.

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Understanding Volume - Vocabulary Cards

Promote math vocabulary development with this set of 15 vocabulary cards focusing on volume.