Overview | The Math | The Lesson

Activity Summary

This activity consists of the construction of the 5 Platonic Solids using paper templates. Once the solids are built, participants explore some of their geometric and topological properties.

Mathematical Goals

Exposure to geometric and topological properties of three-dimensional objects.

TEKS Content

111.14 (grade 2): 7
111.15 (grade 3): 8, 9
111.16 (grade 4): 8
111.17 (grade 5): 7
111.22 (grade 6): 11, 12, 13

Lesson Duration

One hour.

Materials

You will need:

• A set of templates for the 5 solids per participant (included in the lesson kit). The heavier the paper you use, the easier it will be to put the model together.
• Tape
• Scissors
• Nylon string (optional)
• All kinds of paper decorating supplies, such as stickers, markers, glitter glue (optional)
• A copy of the Platonic solids handout per student

The Finished Products

Tetrahedron (Pyramid)	Dodecahedron (Soccer ball)
Hexahedron (Cube)	Icosahedron (Crystal)
Octahedron (Diamond)	You can also see rotating three-dimensional views of the solids.  Show me...

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