Activity Overview
Students will minimize the surface area of a cylinder by collecting data from a geometric construction, estimate the minimum radius from a scatter plot, and calculate the actual radius using calculus and the CAS features of Nspire.
Before the Activity
Teachers should review the activity in the file Cylinder Area-Teacher.tns prior to assigning it so they can offer assistance.
Students need prior knowledge on how to solve an equation in terms of a variable and how to calculate derivatives.
During the Activity
Students work in pairs on the activity.
After the Activity
Teachers should lead a discussion to allow students to consolidate their understanding.