Long Considered a Valuable Hands-on Tool for Teaching Volume For lessons about volume, this sturdy hardwood model is essential. The cone measures 9" high with a base diameter of 6", making it large enough for demonstrations in front of your class. The conic sections (circle, ellipse, parabola and hyperbola) are in contrasting colors for high visibility. The cone is easily taken apart and reassembled. To deepen students' understanding, ask them to determine the volume of each of the conic sections.