It’s time to plan your 5th grade volume unit, and let’s be honest: it can feel a little overwhelming. Between standards, pacing guides, and making sure your students really get it, there’s a lot to juggle. But there’s one step that can make a big difference in how well your students understand volume—and too many teachers skip it.
That step? Starting with conceptual understanding before jumping into the formula.
Let’s walk through how to teach volume in a way that builds understanding and confidence—starting from the ground up.
Step 1: How to Teach Volume Conceptually With Cube Models
Before you mention a formula, let students explore volume with cube models. This helps them understand what volume actually means. They can see and touch how space is filled inside a prism.
Ideas to try:
- Count cubes in small rectangular prisms
- Build boxes with linking cubes
- Sketch layers of cubes to model volume visually
Want ideas that are low-prep but engaging? Check out my favorite volume activities. They’re great for helping students visualize what volume really looks like.
Step 2: Teaching Volume Formulas in a 5th Grade Volume Unit
Once students have a solid grasp on what volume is, it’s time to start connecting their models to numbers. This is where you move from cube-counting to applying the volume formula.
This doesn’t have to be a hard shift. Use questions like:
- How many cubes fit on the bottom layer?
- How many layers tall is the prism?
- Can you multiply those numbers?
For more step-by-step guidance, here’s how I teach volume of rectangular prisms using visuals and questions that connect models to formulas.
This is also where I like to bring in structured practice. My volume worksheets for 5th grade are built to support this transition—from cube models to using the formula.
Address Common Misunderstandings in Your Volume Unit
Even when you teach volume well, some students will still struggle. They might confuse area and volume or forget which dimensions to multiply.
That’s normal. You can read more about common volume misconceptions and how to address them before they become habits.
Keep It Going With Spiral Review
Once students are working with the formula, it’s tempting to leave the cubes behind. But don’t ditch them just yet.
Mix in:
- Cube model questions on exit tickets
- Visuals in your warm-ups
- Real-life volume scenarios
This keeps the concept fresh and helps struggling learners stay connected to the meaning of volume.
Bonus Tip: Use an Interactive Notebook
Volume is a big concept, and keeping everything organized helps students review and reflect. I like to use a volume interactive notebook to store notes, examples, and visuals all in one place.
Final Thoughts
If you want your students to understand volume (not just memorize a formula), don’t skip this step: build the concept first.
To help you get started:
- Grab a free volume game that gives students practice counting cubes in a fun way
- Follow it up with worksheets that build understanding
- Use these classroom activities to reinforce the concept all the way through
Your students will walk away with a deeper understanding—and stronger math skills to match.
