Polyhedrons

polyhedron (ˌpɒlɪˈhiːdrən)n, 

pl -drons or -dra (-drə)

1. (Mathematics) a solid figure consisting of four or more plane faces (all polygons),
   pairs of which meet along an edge, three or more edges meeting at a vertex. In a regular polyhedron all the faces are identical regular polygons making equal angles with each other. Specific polyhedrons are named according to the number of
   
   faces, such as tetrahedron, icosahedron, etc.

This lesson is meant to provide Hayes Pacesetters with an interdisciplinary, hands on and cooperative learning that focuses on exploring three dimensional polyhedra. Pacesetters will rely on each other 

for knowledge (rather than the teacher). Nevertheless, the teacher will provide guidance and support where necessary. Pacesetters will become more familiar with the vocabulary and content as they also will find a relationship between the numbers of faces, vertices and edges of polyhedra.

Rationale: 

Hayes Pacesetters will acquire knowledge in a variety of ways through interdisciplinary art education. This lesson provides for the tactile learner as well as the visual. Pacesetters will learn the concepts because the lesson provides for inquiry learning and working cooperatively in groups based upon a heterogeneously developed plan, the Pacesetters can share their own strengths with each other. Pacesetters will also remember the form of each polyhedron and how to find the number of faces, vertices and edges because they will actually be "doing" instead of just taking notes or drawing pictures of the shapes.

Exploring polyhedra should be an essential part of the grades 5-8 curriculum. Lessons are developed and should be taught by all Birmingham City Schools teachers, according to

our new state standards. The Math Resource Guide for grades 7-8 discuss specifically the importance of this lesson(see resources below). Modeling and multiple representation state that students should be able to construct 2d and 3d objects, find relationships between geometric shapes and identify elements of the shapes, in addition to representing relationships using variables.

Objectives:

1. Pacesetters will conduct research via the internet (Wikipedia) on various polyhedron shapes (as shown below).

2. Pacesetters will construct a three dimensional cube, triangular pyramid, and a spherical dodecahedrons (Pictured above right). 

3. Pacesetters will be able to count the number of faces, vertices and edges each polyhedron has and record the results on the worksheet.

4. Pacesetters will find a pattern or relationship between the vertices and edges.

Evaluation & Assessment:

Hayes Pacesetters will be formatively assessed by observation and probing questions from the teacher. This lesson was designed to have Pacesetters investigate the properties and relationships of polyhedra, therefore Pacesetters will be assessed on the content later in the geometry unit with a traditional test and a non-traditional performance assessment in the form of a project. Yet, for quick feedback the teacher should review that the charts are correctly filled out and the equation is noted on the worksheet.

Resources:

Polyhedra Lesson Plan

New York State Math Standards grades 5-8