This lesson is a mathematical modeling approach to an optimization problem. We want to know what size box can hold the most Legos. The material we have is a 12 inch by 12 inch sheet of paper from the scrapbooking stack.

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If a student has time, they may color, draw, or otherwise doodle on their paper after the activity is complete.

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Students self-sort into groups of two to three with peers in close proximity.

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Each student is assigned a whole number, one through five. The teacher demonstrates zero and six. Students use scissors to cut a square, whose sides are their assigned length, from each corner. Next, students fold the sides, securing them with tape.

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