3D Geometry City Project: Volume, Surface Area, Area & Perimeter Math PBL

In this engaging project-based learning activity, students step into the role of Lead Architect to design, construct, and budget their own 3D metropolis! As they plan their city layout, they must follow specific architectural requirements by assembling 3D paper nets into rectangular prisms, pyramids, a cylindrical structure, and a compound structure (a water tower).

Once their 3D city is constructed and brought to life with landscaping details, students will apply a real-world scale (1 Grid Square = 10 feet) to:

• calculate the perimeter, base area, and volume of one chosen rectangular prism, pyramid, and cylinder.
• determine the lateral surface area for ALL structures in their city.
• calculate an estimated budget for a city-wide exterior painting project based on their total lateral surface area.

This resource includes built-in differentiation to meet the needs of all learners! Provide the ready-made map and pre-formed structure templates for students who need extra support. For a challenge, give extra copies of the blank grid paper and road segments so students can design their own custom city map. They can engineer, cut, and calculate the perimeter, base area, lateral surface area, and volume of their own custom-sized structures.

What’s Included:

• Teacher guide & tips for success
• Student directions and requirements (Phases 1-5)
• Printable 3D structure templates (nets for rectangular prisms, pyramids, and cylinders)
• City map base and detail page (trees, signs, labels, etc.)
• Blank grid paper
• Road segments
• City Planner Data Recording Sheets & Summary Sheet
• Grading rubric
• Answer key & completed sample project

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End-of-the-year project, Project Based Learning Activity.