Module 4
1. Module 4
1.20. Page 3
Module 4: Area
Explore
You have just explored the net of a cube or rectangular prism, now you will explore the nets for other 3-D objects.
Try This
Go to “Exploring Surface Area, Volume, and Nets,” and try to identify the correct net for each 3-D object. Do not spend too much time on the cone and the cylinder. You will investigate the cone and the cylinder in the next lesson.
Now that you can form nets for 3-D objects, you will use nets to help find the surface area of 3-D objects.
Self-Check
Step 1: Print a copy of “Rectangular Prism.” Cut out the prism, fold it, and then tape this net to form a rectangular prism. The grid should be on the outside of the prism.

SC 1. Sketch of the rectangular prism you made, and show the prism’s dimensions.
SC 2. What are the areas of each face? Write the area on each face.
SC 3. What is the surface area of the prism based on the net?
You have just used a net to help find the surface area of a rectangular prism. A similar approach can be used to find the surface area of a pyramid.
Step 2: Print a copy of “Pyramid.” Cut out and tape your net together to form the prism.
Try This
TT 1. What is the area of each face?
TT 2. What is the total surface area of this pyramid?
Share
Choose either the rectangular prism calculations (SC 1 to SC 3) or the pyramid surface area calculations (TT 1 and TT 2) to work on during this Share.
Discuss the following questions with a partner or group.
- What patterns did you notice when you were finding the surface area of each side of the prism?
- What formula for surface area did you use for each side?
- Did some sides have the same surface area as others?
- How many sides were the same?
- Could you develop a formula to find the surface area of a rectangular prism or pyramid so you did not have to use a net in the future?
Share your answers to these questions and any formulas (or attempts at formulas) with other groups. What are the similarities and differences between the formulas you each created for finding the surface area of a prism or pyramid?
Place a summary of your discussions and resulting formulas in your course folder for future reference.