Problem solving with perimeter, area and volume
I can use my knowledge of perimeter, area and volume to solve problems.
Problem solving with perimeter, area and volume
I can use my knowledge of perimeter, area and volume to solve problems.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The volume and surface area of shapes made from prisms and cylinders can be found.
- The volume and surface area of shapes made from parts of prisms and cylinders can be found.
- Unknown lengths can be found when surface area or volume are known.
- Volume and surface area can be used in context to solve problems.
Keywords
Prism - polyhedron with a base that is a polygon and identical parallel opposite face whose corresponding edges are joined by parallelograms.
Cylinder - 3D shape with a circle base and an identical parallel opposite face. Cross sections made parallel to the base will be congruent to the base.
Surface area - the total area of all the surfaces of a closed 3D shape. The surfaces include all faces and any curved surfaces.
Volume - the amount of space occupied by a closed 3D shape.
Common misconception
Pupils may struggle to decide whether the question is needing length, area or volume.
Support could be given by providing the units for the answer or pupils may be encouraged to think of contexts for each before hand.
To help you plan your year 8 maths lesson on: Problem solving with perimeter, area and volume, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 maths lesson on: Problem solving with perimeter, area and volume, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 maths lessons from the Perimeter, area and volume unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions


Area -
the size of the surface.
Perimeter -
the distance around a 2D shape.
Volume -
the amount of space occupied by a closed 3D shape.
Surface area -
the total area of all the surfaces of a closed 3D shape.
Exit quiz
6 Questions

Length -
The amount of ribbon to put around a cake.
Area -
The amount of carpet to cover a floor.
Surface area -
The amount of silver to cover an earring.
Volume -
The amount of soil to fill in a hole.