Composite Prism Challenge (Surface Area)

Students can work independently or in groups (recommended) to solve this surface area problem. A rectangular prism, triangular prism, and cylinder form a composite figure and students are to find the surface area that light would touch.

This assignment takes critical thinking skills to determine which sides and parts would have light shining and which would note as well as the skills required to solve.

This activity can also be assigned as a mini breakout OR as a larger breakout with another assignment in my store found Here.

This activity can be administered several different ways to fit your specific classroom needs. This can be given as individual work, or as group work in order to work cooperatively. I administer this in my classroom as a mini breakout box. For a longer breakout, see my store for the first part titled, “Surface Area of Cylinders Worksheet or Mini Breakout.”

Breakout Box Directions:

Place a lockbox somewhere in the room with a reward inside. Rewards can be candy, class coupons, extra credit- whatever you can think of that will motivate your students. Lock all this up with a 4 digit numerical lock with the combination code 3073.

Students may require hints for this assignment depending on your specific class. I give them verbally as the class progresses to see what they can accomplish without help. Other times, I will have another lock box somewhere in the room with hints available in them. Students may have to answer a simpler question to get the hint or take a penalty of some sort for the hint.