Box Geometry
Students will learn about using the formulas for the area of squares, rectangles, and triangles to determine
how much paint and carpet to purchase for a room. In addition, they will learn about scale measurements.
Grade Level: 7 - 9th
Subject: Math
Length of Time: 40-50 Minutes
Common Core Alignment
[Link].7.G.B.6 - Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving area, volume and
surface area of two- and three-dimensional objects composed of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, cubes,
and right prisms.
Objectives & Outcomes
The students will be able to use the formulas for the area of squares, rectangles, and triangles for real
world applications.
Materials Needed
Various sizes of boxes
scissors
rulers
paper
pencil
imaginary or actual advertisements showing cost of paint and carpet
Procedure
Opening to Lesson
Once students are seated, the teacher will ask the class what color they would paint the walls of the
room. Accept several answers.
Next, the teacher will ask the students what type of carpet they would like to have in the room.
The teacher will then ask students what they estimate it would cost.
Ask the students the question, “How do we determine how much paint and carpet would be
needed?”
After accepting the various answers, guide students to the correct method to determine the cost of
painting and carpeting the room.
Body of Lesson
© [Link] - Lesson Plans 1
Modeling
Using the actual measurements of the classroom, help show students what they will be doing with
their own rooms (boxes).
Explain the procedure of subtracting windows and doorways from the total area of walls.
Discuss the different costs of paints and carpets, per square foot or yard for coverage purposes.
Guided Practice
Distribute a different size box to each student. Have them cut two or three “windows” and “doors”
in each box.
Students will then measure the windows and doors, using a set scale to turn the inches or
centimeters into feet or meters to approximate the size of a room.
Students will measure the sizes of the “rooms”- boxes.
Students will subtract doorway and window sizes from total surface area of the “walls”.
Student will measure the “floor” of the room.
The students will determine the amount of paint needed for the walls and the amount of carpet need
for the floor.
Using the advertisements, the students will estimate the cost of painting/carpeting the room.
Independent Practice
The teacher will distribute a handout with several similar word problems and/or diagrams or
blueprints of actual rooms for students to calculate the costs
Assign students to calculate the cost of remodeling a room at their home
The teacher will collect the completed page(s). This will be used as an assessment.
Closing
Ask students what other costs are involved in remodeling the room, such as labor, supplies, etc. Have
them think about the variables involved, such as extra coats of paint, plusher or more expensive carpeting.
Don’t forget the ceilings.
Assessment & Evaluation
Handouts/Worksheets with word problems having similar questions related to estimating the amount of
carpet and paint needed for rooms in a house or building.
Modification & Differentiation
Students may work in pairs. Have students switch their box with another student for further practice. As
a homework assignment or extra credit, have students measure an actual room in their home to determine
amount of paint/carpet needed. Have students determine the total cost of paint and carpet.
Related Lesson Plans
Order in the Math Class
The students will physically review the order of operations.
© [Link] - Lesson Plans 2
The Ideal Town
Based on research the students will design a small town with a pre-determined population, assuring there
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Silent Geometry
The students will practice using geometry formulas measuring items in the classroom to find area and
volume, radius and circumference, and identify the types of angles.
Graph Smile
Pairs of students will survey other students in the school and then graph the results, as well as come to
conclusions based on the information.
© [Link] - Lesson Plans 3