Name ____________________________________

Geometry

Surface Area Project

This project is designed to help you fully grasp the concept of finding the surface area of
geometric solids. This includes identifying them in everyday life, drawing them, calculating
their surface area, and weaving it all into a story!
Your task is to develop a story involving the surface area of a geometric solid (prism, pyramid,
cylinder, cone, sphere or a compound shape that is made up of these). To support your story,
you will need a photograph captured using a digital camera, clipped from a magazine, or
downloaded from the Internet. You will need to draw the solid with the appropriate
measurements and then calculate the surface area of the solid. You will need to include all
formulas and all of the steps required to come up with your answer for the surface area.
You will need to include the following:
I. A Creative, Unique, or Imaginative Story
Your story must concern finding the surface area of a solid. Be as creative as you would
like, but be sure that your material is school appropriate. (Hint : if youre worried that
your story isnt appropriate, it probably isnt.)
II. An Actual Picture
Your picture can be found in a newspaper, magazine, on the Internet, or in a photograph.
The solid you are describing should be the focus of the picture, and the picture should be
large enough that it is clear. Your solid pictured must be a prism, pyramid, cylinder, cone,
sphere or a compound shape that is made up of these
III. A Drawing of the Solid
You should include a drawing of your solid. The drawing must be neat. (Use a straightedge!) Your drawing should include realistic measurements with associated units.
IV. Calculation of the Surface Area of the Solid
You must calculate the area. Please make sure you are using the correct formula, show all
steps, and include the correct units in your answer.
V. An Appealing Presentation
Your project should be very neat and orderly. The story should be typed. Any work that
is not typed should be written very neatly on lined paper. Be creative your project
should be colorful and eye-catching!

Name ____________________________________

Geometry

Here are some suggestions to make the

project fun and successful!
Be creative! Use your imagination!
Use cartoon characters, movie stars, sports figures, action heroes, musicians,
rappers, American Gladiators, etc.
Dont make your design so complex that the math becomes a nightmare!
To make your story a surface area story, think about painting, covering,
lamination, sanding, bronzing, or applying graffiti to the solid!
Look for some interesting pictures and let those drive your story!
Refer to the attached rubric to make sure your project includes all requirements.

DUE DATE: ___________

Name ____________________________________

Geometry

Surface Area Project Rubric

REQUIREMENTS

POINTS
POINTS
POINTS
AVAILABLE RECEIVED

A. STORY PROBLEM
1. Imaginative
2. Appropriate subject
3. Surface area problem
Total Points

2
1
2
5

B. PICTURE OF SOLID (FROM MAGAZINE, INTERNET,

CAMERA, ETC.)
1. Appropriate subject
2. Clear and readable
3. Matches story problem
Total Points

1
2
2
5

C. DRAWING OF SOLID
1. Drawing
Matches picture
Neatly drawn or created
2. Units
Scale (Units are realistic)
Labeled Appropriately
Total Points

2
2
2
1
7

D. CALCULATION
1. Appropriate formulas listed
2. Every step clearly outlined
3. Correct results for story problem
4. Proper units included
Total Points

2
2
2
1
7

E. PRESENTATION
1. Title
2. Colorful
3. Professional look
4. Information is consistent between A-D above
5. Appropriate size (8.5x11 or construction paper)
6. Neatness
Total Points

1
1
1
1
1
1
6

Turned in prior to due date

Turned in late
Total Points for Project

+1 pt each
school day
early
-2 pts each day
late
30

Date turned in: _____________________________ Teacher Initials: ________