This tool allows you to learn about various geometric solids and their properties. You can manipulate and color each shape to explore the number of faces, edges, and vertices, and you can also use this tool to investigate the following question:
For any polyhedron, what is the relationship between the number of faces, vertices, and edges?
What other questions can this tool help you answer?
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To rotate the shape, click on the shape and drag the mouse while holding down the mouse button.
To color the shape, hold the Shift key and click on a face, an edge, or a vertex. (The color palette allows you to choose the color for the faces; however, the edges will always be colored white, and the vertices will always be colored black.) The Reset Shape button removes all coloring.
Drag the slider up or down to adjust the size, and highlight Transparent to view an outline of the shape.
The New Shape button allows you to choose one of the six polyhedron that can be investigated with this tool.
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Record the number of faces (f), edges (e), and vertices (v) for each shape. What relationship exists between f, e, and v? You can download and print the Exploring Geometric Solids activity sheet to guide your investigation.
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