Illuminations: Spatial Reasoning Using Cubes and Isometric Drawings: Part One -- Exploring the Isometric Drawing Tool

Spatial Reasoning Using Cubes and Isometric Drawings: Part One -- Exploring the Isometric Drawing Tool


Moving Cubes

In this interactive geometry investigation students will explore polyhedra using different representations and perspectives for three dimensional block figures.

Learning Objectives
 

Students will

  • Analyze characteristics and properties of three dimensional geometric shapes and develop mathematical arguments about geometric relationships
  • Use visualization, spatial reasoning, and geometric modeling to solve problems

Materials
 
  • Computer and Internet connection

Instructional Plan

When creating a shape, starting from the back and bottom of the shape is best. However, sometimes you may want to add a cube to an existing shape. Rather than starting over, you can use the Bring-To-Front and Send-To-Back tools to help.

1. Click on the Bring-To-Front tool. Click on each of the cubes in the stack.

Describe how the appearance of the figure changes.

2. Now select the Send-to-Back tool. Again, click on each of the cubes.

Describe how the appearance of the figure changes.

Add more cubes and try both tools again.

NCTM Standards and Expectations
 
Geometry 6-8
  1. Precisely describe, classify, and understand relationships among types of two- and three-dimensional objects using their defining properties.
  2. Understand relationships among the angles, side lengths, perimeters, areas, and volumes of similar objects
  
1 period   

NCTM Resources

Principles and Standards for School Mathematics
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Thinkfinity Verizon Foundation
More and Better Mathematics for All Students
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