Skip to content
HeadTeacher.ng
Lesson Notes

Volume, Prisms, Cylinder, Sphere and Formulas for Primary 6

Primary 6 pupils learn Volume, Prisms, Cylinder, Sphere and Formulas, follow worked examples and practise accurate problem-solving with objective-aligned checks.

Royal AlikorByRoyal AlikorPublishedFeb 13, 2026Reading10 minComments0

Class: Primary 6
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 1
Age: 11 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: General Mathematics
Curriculum Theme: Measurement and Geometry
Previous Lesson: .
Topic: VOLUME
Subject Matter: Models of simple 3-dimensional shapes, meaning of a prism as uniform cross-section solid, volume of cuboid as prism V = L x b x h, volume of cylinder as πr²h, volume of sphere as 4/3πr³, quantitative aptitude on volume

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

  • Define a prism and identify its base and height.
  • Calculate the volume of cuboids using the formula V = L x b x h.
  • Calculate the volume of cylinders using the formula V = πr²h.
  • Calculate the volume of spheres using the formula V = 4/3πr³.
  • Solve quantitative aptitude problems involving volume.

Affective Domain:

  • Appreciate the importance of calculating volume in everyday situations.
  • Participate actively in class discussions and problem-solving.

Psychomotor Domain:

  • Construct simple 3-dimensional shapes like cuboids, cylinders, and spheres.
  • Accurately apply volume formulas to solve given problems.

Social Domain:

  • Collaborate effectively with peers during group activities.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

  • 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Primary 4-6 (Mathematics).
  • Lagos State Unified Scheme of Work for Primary Schools (Mathematics).
  • New General Mathematics for Primary Schools, Book 6.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • Textbook, workbook, formula book, charts showing 3-dimensional shapes.
  • Cardboard, scissors, glue, rulers for constructing models.
  • Examples of real-life cuboids (e.g., matchbox, brick), cylinders (e.g., can, pipe), and spheres (e.g., ball, orange).

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the concept of space occupied by objects in their surroundings. It enables them to measure and compare the capacity of different containers and objects, which is important for practical tasks like filling tanks or packing items.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have prior knowledge of basic 2-dimensional shapes, multiplication, division, and basic measurement concepts.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

VOLUME

Models of Simple 3-Dimensional Shapes

3-dimensional (3D) shapes are solid figures that have length, width (breadth), and height. They occupy space.

Examples of simple 3D shapes include:

  • Cuboid
  • Cylinder
  • Sphere
  • Cone
  • Pyramid

Meaning of a Prism

A prism is a solid object with two identical ends (bases) and flat sides. The cross-section of a prism is uniform (the same) throughout its length.

For example, a cuboid is a rectangular prism, and a cylinder can be considered a circular prism.

Volume of a Cuboid

A cuboid is a 3D shape with six rectangular faces. Its volume is the amount of space it occupies.

The formula for the volume of a cuboid is:

Volume (V) = Length (L) × Breadth (b) × Height (h)

Examples:

  1. Calculate the volume of a cuboid with length 8 cm, breadth 5 cm, and height 3 cm.
  2. Solution:

  • Step 1: Write down the formula. V = L × b × h
  • Step 2: Substitute the given values. V = 8 cm × 5 cm × 3 cm
  • Step 3: Multiply the values. V = 40 cm² × 3 cm
  • Step 4: State the final answer with units. V = 120 cm³
  • A rectangular tank has a length of 10 m, a width of 6 m, and a height of 4 m. Find its volume.
  • Solution:

    • Step 1: Formula: V = L × b × h
    • Step 2: Substitute values: V = 10 m × 6 m × 4 m
    • Step 3: Multiply: V = 60 m² × 4 m
    • Step 4: Result: V = 240 m³

    How to solve for Length, Breadth, or Height if Volume is given:

    If the volume (V) and two other dimensions are known, the third dimension can be found by dividing the volume by the product of the other two dimensions.

    • Length (L) = V / (b × h)
    • Breadth (b) = V / (L × h)
    • Height (h) = V / (L × b)

    Example: A cuboid has a volume of 90 cm³. If its length is 6 cm and its breadth is 5 cm, find its height.

    Solution:

    • Step 1: Write down the formula for height. h = V / (L × b)
    • Step 2: Substitute the given values. h = 90 cm³ / (6 cm × 5 cm)
    • Step 3: Calculate the product in the denominator. h = 90 cm³ / 30 cm²
    • Step 4: Divide to find the height. h = 3 cm

    Volume of a Cylinder

    A cylinder is a 3D shape with two parallel circular bases and a curved surface. Its volume is the product of the area of its circular base and its height.

    The formula for the volume of a cylinder is:

    Volume (V) = πr²h

    Where: π (pi) ≈ 22/7 or 3.14, r = radius of the base, h = height of the cylinder.

    Examples:

    1. Find the volume of a cylinder with a radius of 7 cm and a height of 10 cm. (Use π = 22/7)
    2. Solution:

    • Step 1: Write down the formula. V = πr²h
    • Step 2: Substitute the values. V = (22/7) × (7 cm)² × 10 cm
    • Step 3: Calculate r². V = (22/7) × 49 cm² × 10 cm
    • Step 4: Simplify. V = 22 × 7 cm² × 10 cm (since 49/7 = 7)
    • Step 5: Multiply. V = 154 cm² × 10 cm
    • Step 6: State the final answer. V = 1540 cm³
  • A cylindrical can has a radius of 3 m and a height of 5 m. Calculate its volume. (Use π = 3.14)
  • Solution:

    • Step 1: Formula: V = πr²h
    • Step 2: Substitute values: V = 3.14 × (3 m)² × 5 m
    • Step 3: Calculate r²: V = 3.14 × 9 m² × 5 m
    • Step 4: Multiply: V = 3.14 × 45 m³
    • Step 5: Result: V = 141.3 m³

    How to solve for Height if Volume and Radius are given:

    Height (h) = V / (πr²)

    Example: A cylindrical container has a volume of 616 cm³. If its radius is 7 cm, find its height. (Use π = 22/7)

    Solution:

    • Step 1: Write down the formula for height. h = V / (πr²)
    • Step 2: Substitute the given values. h = 616 cm³ / ((22/7) × (7 cm)²)
    • Step 3: Calculate the denominator. h = 616 cm³ / ((22/7) × 49 cm²)
    • Step 4: Simplify the denominator. h = 616 cm³ / (22 × 7 cm²)
    • Step 5: Continue simplifying. h = 616 cm³ / 154 cm²
    • Step 6: Divide to find the height. h = 4 cm

    Volume of a Sphere

    A sphere is a perfectly round 3D object, like a ball. Every point on its surface is equidistant from its center.

    The formula for the volume of a sphere is:

    Volume (V) = 4/3πr³

    Where: π (pi) ≈ 22/7 or 3.14, r = radius of the sphere.

    Examples:

    1. Calculate the volume of a sphere with a radius of 3 cm. (Use π = 3.14)
    2. Solution:

    • Step 1: Write down the formula. V = 4/3πr³
    • Step 2: Substitute the values. V = (4/3) × 3.14 × (3 cm)³
    • Step 3: Calculate r³. V = (4/3) × 3.14 × 27 cm³
    • Step 4: Simplify (27 divided by 3 is 9). V = 4 × 3.14 × 9 cm³
    • Step 5: Multiply the values. V = 12.56 × 9 cm³
    • Step 6: State the final answer. V = 113.04 cm³
  • Find the volume of a spherical ball with a radius of 7 cm. (Use π = 22/7)
  • Solution:

    • Step 1: Formula: V = 4/3πr³
    • Step 2: Substitute values: V = (4/3) × (22/7) × (7 cm)³
    • Step 3: Calculate r³: V = (4/3) × (22/7) × 343 cm³
    • Step 4: Simplify (343 divided by 7 is 49). V = (4/3) × 22 × 49 cm³
    • Step 5: Multiply numerators: V = (88 × 49) / 3 cm³
    • Step 6: Calculate the product: V = 4312 / 3 cm³
    • Step 7: Divide to get the final answer (approximate). V ≈ 1437.33 cm³

    Quantitative Aptitude on Volume

    Quantitative aptitude problems on volume involve applying the volume formulas to solve real-life scenarios or word problems, often requiring an extra step or interpretation.

    Example: A rectangular water tank is 9 m long, 6 m wide, and 5 m high. If the tank is filled to half its capacity, what is the volume of water in the tank?

    Solution:

    • Step 1: Find the total volume of the tank.
    • V_tank = L × b × h = 9 m × 6 m × 5 m = 270 m³
    • Step 2: Calculate the volume of water when the tank is half-filled.
    • Volume of water = (1/2) × V_tank = (1/2) × 270 m³ = 135 m³

    Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

    Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

    Instructional Procedures

    Step 1: Introduction

    Time: 5 minutes
    Teaching Skill: Set Induction
    Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to mention some objects around them that occupy space, such as a book, a bottle, or a ball. The teacher then introduces the topic of Volume as the amount of space these objects take up.
    Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction of the topic.
    Learning Point: Pupils recall real-life objects and are introduced to the concept of volume.

    Step 2: Models of 3D Shapes and Meaning of Prism

    Time: 7 minutes
    Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
    Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to construct simple models of cuboids, cylinders, and spheres using cardboard. The teacher then explains what a prism is, showing that shapes like cuboids and cylinders have a uniform cross-section. The teacher helps pupils identify the base and height of these shapes.
    Pupils’ Activity: Pupils construct their models, observe the teacher’s demonstration, and identify the parts of prisms.
    Learning Point: Pupils understand what 3-dimensional shapes are and the definition of a prism.

    Step 3: Volume of a Cuboid

    Time: 8 minutes
    Teaching Skill: Explanation/Problem Solving
    Teacher’s Activity: The teacher writes the formula for the volume of a cuboid (V = L × b × h) on the board. The teacher solves two examples on the board, explaining each step clearly and demonstrating how to find a missing dimension if volume is given.
    Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the formula and examples, ask questions, and solve simple problems in their notebooks.
    Learning Point: Pupils learn the formula for the volume of a cuboid and how to apply it.

    Step 4: Volume of a Cylinder

    Time: 8 minutes
    Teaching Skill: Explanation/Problem Solving
    Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the formula for the volume of a cylinder (V = πr²h), explaining the meaning of π and r. The teacher solves two examples on the board, using both π = 22/7 and π = 3.14, and demonstrates how to find the height if volume and radius are known.
    Pupils’ Activity: Pupils write down the formula and examples, paying attention to the use of π. They practice solving similar problems.
    Learning Point: Pupils understand the formula for the volume of a cylinder and can calculate it.

    Step 5: Volume of a Sphere

    Time: 7 minutes
    Teaching Skill: Explanation/Problem Solving
    Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents the formula for the volume of a sphere (V = 4/3πr³). The teacher solves two examples, guiding pupils through the steps of calculation.
    Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the formula and examples, focusing on the calculation steps involving fractions and powers.
    Learning Point: Pupils learn the formula for the volume of a sphere and how to calculate it.

    Step 6: Quantitative Aptitude on Volume

    Time: 5 minutes
    Teaching Skill: Application/Critical Thinking
    Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what quantitative aptitude problems on volume entail. The teacher presents a word problem on the board that requires applying one of the volume formulas and guides pupils to solve it step-by-step.
    Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanation, analyze the word problem, and actively participate in solving it.
    Learning Point: Pupils develop skills in applying volume concepts to solve real-world problems.

    Step 7: Evaluation/Review

    Time: 5 minutes

    Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

    Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

    1. Define a prism.
    2. State the formula for the volume of a cuboid.
    3. Calculate the volume of a cuboid with L = 7 cm, b = 4 cm, h = 2 cm.
    4. State the formula for the volume of a cylinder.
    5. A cylindrical container has a radius of 7 cm and a height of 5 cm. Calculate its volume (use π = 22/7).
    6. State the formula for the volume of a sphere.

    Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

    Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

    Step 8: Conclusion

    Time: Optional (integrated with review)
    Teaching Skill: Summarization
    Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of accurately applying the correct formulas for different 3D shapes. The teacher gives pupils an assignment to practice calculating volumes.
    Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the assignment.
    Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for independent practice.

    Home Task: Solve three new exercises on VOLUME. Show each step and check each answer.

    Lesson Keywords

    • Volume – The amount of space a 3-dimensional object occupies.
    • Cuboid – A 3D shape with six rectangular faces.
    • Cylinder – A 3D shape with two circular bases and a curved side.
    • Sphere – A perfectly round 3D object, like a ball.
    • Prism – A solid with two identical ends and flat sides, having a uniform cross-section.
    • Radius – The distance from the center to the edge of a circle or sphere.
    • Height – The vertical distance from the base to the top of an object.

    Differentiation

    For pupils who are struggling, the teacher will provide simplified examples with whole numbers and offer one-on-one guidance or peer tutoring. Advanced learners will be given more complex quantitative aptitude problems or asked to explore real-world applications of volume calculation, such as estimating the volume of a classroom.

    Note for teachers using this lesson plan

    Teachers should encourage pupils to visualize the shapes and relate them to real-life objects. Emphasize the correct units for volume (e.g., cm³, m³). Practical demonstrations with actual objects or models will help pupils grasp the concept better. Ensure pupils understand the meaning of π and its approximate values.

    Export this post
    Volume, Prisms, Cylinder, Sphere and Formulas for Primary 6
    Community Join the conversation Open discussion +