Difficulty: Rating: GCSE Marks:

GCSE Text:
The semi-circular design of the front of a whale tank in a marine park is as follows:

Calculate the volume of water contained in this part of the whale tank complex

Suggestions:
This is a good GCSE level question for students sitting Foundation or Higher papers. Students are captivated by the video (even if it is a little controversial in content). Students are required to remember and apply the formulas relating to circles. This video works well individually and in groups, and most students solve this within 5-8 mins. Healthy discussions often follow regarding appropriate enclosures for zoos etc.

Extension Ideas:
Teachers could extend the learning by considering:

• The front of the tank is made from glass, so the whales can be seen underwater. The glass is 1.3m in height, and covers all but 5 metres of the distance around the curve of the tank. What area of glass is designed into this part of the whale tank complex?
• The water contained in this semi-circular tank represents two fifths of the volume of the complex of orca tanks in this marine park. What must the volume of the other tanks be?