i still don't get surface area!

Answer 1

Imagine that you want to decorate a box with a different colored paper on each side.

If the top and bottom are 6 inches by 8 inches, you'll need two pieces, each 48 square inches.

Answer 2

Maybe these videos will help you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pcjnz26pnwY

http://www.schooltube.com/video/df25c5db19b6c327f891/