This item corresponds to the Geometry and Measurement Core Content for Assessment in the following manner:

At the end of fifth grade students should understand basic three-dimensional shapes including cubes and other rectangular solids. This item is based on a cube with pieces missing; or from a different point of view, layers of rectangular solids composed of individual cubes.

Students should be able to identify and model basic three-dimensional shapes by appearance and in different orientations. In this item the 4 x 4 cube layers are repeated, shown missing two cubes, and missing 10 cubes. The prompt also requires the student to supply diagrams of the figure which enables the students to display their ability to model these forms.

Students should be able to use non-standard units to measure volume. In this item there was no identified unit of measurement for each cube making up the tower, therefore students must have an understanding of units to correctly label their answers.

Students should understand the relationship of how three-dimensional shapes and alike and different. The item shows this aspect of the Core Content when students must compare the various layers of the tower in determining the volume.