Ice design portfolio unit 5.11
Find and simplify the volume-to-surface-area ratio for each of the three
possible ice cube shapes. You can use this chart.
Shape Surface Area Formula Volume Formula
cube
2
S. A. 6  s
3 V s 
sphere
2
S. A. 4  r
4 3
3
V r  
cylinder
2
S. A. 2 2     r rh 2 V r h  
2. Use the ratios to choose the best shape for an ice cube—a cube, sphere, or
cylinder. Also, choose what you think is the best size for that shaped ice
cube.
3. Consider these questions as you make your decision:
a. Since the purpose of an ice cube is to keep a drink cold, is it better for
an ice cube to have a high volume or a low volume?
b. Since heat touching the surface of an ice cube causes it to melt, is it
better for an ice cube to have a large surface area or a small surface
area?
c. Which volume-to-surface-area ratio would be better for an ice cube—
the lowest possible or the highest possible?
d. How does increasing the size of an object affect its volume-to-surfacearea ratio?
4. Create a visual model to show your ice cube design, including the dimensions
you would choose and the volume and surface area of that cube
please help