For the use of each resource, however, there is a point-cost which reduces the outcome of the

team. Up to 100 points will be awarded for a clear and accurate solution.
The resources are:
A tube container just large enough for the three tennis balls it holds: 60 points
A tennis ball: 30 points
A cloth tape measure: 20 points
A ruler: 10 points
A 1-meter string: 5 points
A pencil, paper, and calculator: Free
Students have ten minutes to decide on the resources they will use, and will then have a further
ten minutes to solve the problem. The question is about the tube container with three tennis balls.
By what percent does its height exceed the distance around the tube (or vice versa)?

1. a) Estimate the height of the tube in centimeters and estimate the diameter of the base in
centimeters.
2. b) An estimate is not just a guess, it involves thoughtfulness. Describe your thoughtfulness or
the thinking you used to make your estimate.
3. c) Using your estimates, by what percent is the height of the tube larger than the distance
around the tube? (Teachers note: most students will guess the height to be larger. This
hypothesis may lead to contradictions later which help promote mathematical thinking).


4. Use the materials available to determine the volume of the cylinder container. Show your
work.
5. Use what you know about the relationship between cylinders and spheres to determine the
volume of the 3 tennis balls. What is the volume of 1 tennis ball? Show your work.
6. What is the volume of the empty space within the cylinder container when the 3 tennis balls
are enclosed? Show your work and explain your solution.