In five interactive geometry investigations, students explore geometric solids and their properties. Throughout the unit, students analyze characteristics and properties of three-dimensional geometric shapes and develop mathematical arguments about geometric relationships. Students construct various geometric solids using an interactive tool, and explore and create nets for various geometric solids. Within each lesson, students use visualization, spatial reasoning, and geometric modeling to solve problems.
Individual Lessons
Lesson 1 - Getting to Know the Solids
Students are introduced to some of the basic polyhedra. Students explore the shapes of the faces of these solids.
Lesson 2 - Study the Solids
In this interactive geometry investigation, students explore geometric solids and their properties. Specifically, students count the number of faces, edges, and corners (vertices) in various solids.
Lesson 3 - Looking for Patterns
Students discover Euler's Formula, a way of calculating the number of faces, edges, and vertices of geometric solids.
Lesson 4 - Construct a Solid
Students construct physical models of geometric solids.
Lesson 5 - Making A Shape Jacket
Students identify which geometric solids can be made from given nets. Students also create nets for common geometric solids.
