Create epic aquarium designs with this 5th-grade volume of rectangular prisms project. Students will calculate the volume of composite figures and identify attributes of shapes. They will classify two-dimensional shapes by naming types of triangles, quadrilaterals, and other polygons. Additionally, they will calculate the volume of figures by counting unit cubes, using the volume formula, and solving additive volume problems. They can read about amazing fish tanks and aquariums in the included passages. This resource is great for 5th-grade teachers who want to engage early finishers, challenge gifted and talented students independently, or complete a whole-class project at the end of a math unit about measurement and data or geometry.
 
What’s Included in This Math Enrichment Project?
✏️ PDF & Google Slides Link
Part 1: Measure Volume Using Unit Cubes
Part 2: Converting Length Measurements
Part 3: Converting Liquid Measurements
Part 4: Converting Mass Measurements
Part 5: Fraction Line Plots
Reading Passages & Comprehension Questions
Creative Project: Design a Fish Catalog
Answer Keys + Examples
 
Each section includes:
✅ Practice Pages – Reinforce 2D shape attributes and volume of rectangular prisms through scaffolded instruction. Students can review the example strategy at the top of the page and solve increasingly difficult problems as they count unit cubes or use the volume formula.
✅ Apply Pages – Solve word problems about real-world aquarium scenarios and apply skills by classifying flat shapes.
✅ Create Pages – Students design their own fish tanks with different elements to create and customize. Then, they solve geometry and measurement and data problems using their unique set of numbers or shapes.
 
Extras
Reading Passages - Consider sharing before beginning the math project to provide context for students as they explore fish tanks and aquariums.
Creative Project: Design a Catalog of Epic Aquariums and Decorative Elements for Fish Tanks
 
This Independent Math Project is Perfect for:
✔️ Whole-class instruction (assign at the end of your geometry or measurement unit).
✔️ Small groups or intervention (reinforce volume of composite figures and shape attributes).
✔️ Gifted students or early finishers (let them complete the full project at their own pace!).
 
✨Hear about this 5th Grade Project-Based Learning Resource from Educators Like You:✨
⭐️ “My students were so engaged in this project! They loved the real-world connections and having the freedom to design amazing fish tanks while practicing geometry skills.”
⭐️ “This resource is designed with students in mind. The examples help them practice skills before applying them to their own aquarium designs. It’s a fabulous format!"
⭐️ “The digital slides are beautifully designed and easy to use. I didn't have to print a single page. Students completed this project over the course of a month whenever they finished math work early."
⭐️ “I used this as an end-of-unit enrichment activity, and it was a hit! The scaffolded practice helped build confidence, and the ‘Create’ pages allowed for student choice.”
⭐️ “This was the perfect challenge for my gifted students! They worked through each part independently and had so much fun applying math in a meaningful way.”
 
This engaging math project blends real-world problem-solving, student choice, and creativity—making measurement word problems more meaningful than ever!
 
Find answers to your questions about this Epic Aquariums Project:
✋ What materials will students need?
Students will use a pencil, coloring materials, and a centimeter ruler. Alternatively, they can complete the project on Google Slides.
✋ How long will it take to complete this project?
This project will likely last multiple days. There are 5 separate math sections as well as 2 extension activities (reading and design a catalog).
✋ Which grade will benefit the most from using this resource?
5th Grade - This project focuses on the following standards: CCSS.5.MD.C.3, 4, 5, G.B.3, 4