Checking and securing understanding of volume of a cylinder
I can calculate the volume of a cylinder.
Checking and securing understanding of volume of a cylinder
I can calculate the volume of a cylinder.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A cylinder is not a prism but has a similar structure.
- The formula for the volume of a cylinder can be derived by using the formula for a prism.
- This can be used to find the volume of any cylinder.
- Unknown lengths can be found when the volume of a cylinder is known.
Keywords
Cylinder - A cylinder is a 3D shape with a base that is a circle and a parallel opposite face that is identical. A cross-section of a cylinder made parallel to the base will be congruent to the base.
Volume - Volume is the amount of space occupied by a closed 3D shape.
Common misconception
When questions are in context, the height of the cylinder may be described as the depth or length and this can cause some pupils to struggle if they have learned a formula with a particular word.
Remind pupils that the volume of a 3D shape comes from the area of a cross section multiplied by the height or depth. Discuss which length this would be, using a diagram to support.
To help you plan your year 11 maths lesson on: Checking and securing understanding of volume of a cylinder, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 maths lesson on: Checking and securing understanding of volume of a cylinder, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 maths lessons from the 2D and 3D shape: surface area and volume (pyramids, spheres and cones) unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions

Area of cross-section -
25 cm²
Length of one side -
5 cm
Perimeter of cross-section -
20 cm
Surface area -
150 cm²
Volume -
125 cm³




Exit quiz
6 Questions







