Sticky Note Challenge

Course: Grade 10 Applied Math, Topic: Finding surface area

​After seeing Andrew Stadel's File Cabinet 3-Act Lesson, we thought it would be an easy one to do with our 10 applied classes near the beginning of the semester.  We didn't just want to watch the Andrew Stadel video though, we wanted our students to actually cover an iPad cart with post-its.  

​After going through the Andrew Stadel 3-Act lesson as a class, I put a few post-its on the cart.  After recording some initial estimates, they immediately got to work measuring and calculating...

"But it would take a whole period to cover the whole cart with post-its!  How on earth do you have time for that???" 
Not every student needed to be involved.  After a quick lesson on calculating surface area, I asked the 2 or 3 students who finished the surface area practice problems quickly or the students who were finding it too easy to do it.  As the rest of the class practiced calculating surface area, they stuck 'em on.  It did end up taking the better part of a period but those students were happy to do it! 
The anticipation in the class grew as more an more post-its were added.  It was super satisfying for everyone to get a final, definite answer (see video below).  It was also great to see the Grade 9's and 12's who came into the classroom afterwards spontaneously start asking questions about the post-it covered cart.  "Can we do more lessons like that too?"