Learning Objectives
- Understand the properties of Platonic solids and build them through hands-on activities
- Develop Spatial Awareness and Geometric Understanding
- Apply Geometry in Real-World Contexts
- Enhance Problem-Solving and TeamWork Skills through collaborative tasks
- Foster Creativity and Exploration
- Encourage reflection and critical thinking
- Develop a Beta & Tech (B&T) mentality focused on experimentation, prototyping, and continuous improvement.
B&T dimensions and types covered
Dimensions
- Dimension 1: self-confidence in science and technology: Students build Platonic solids step-by-step, gaining confidence through each small success, and then collaboratively apply their skills to construct the geodesic dome together.
- Dimension 3: Interest in new technology: Students explore and engage with modular tools, discovering how geometric concepts and hands-on construction can be applied to create innovative structures like the geodesic dome..
- Dimension 7: Practical orientation: Students actively build Platonic solids and a geodesic dome, focusing on hands-on construction and tangible results rather than theoretical concepts.
Types
- Innovators: Enjoy experimenting with tools and collaborating creatively during the dome’s design and assembly, allowing them to innovate within the activity.
- Explorers: Benefit from the step-by-step guidance in building Platonic solids, helping them gain confidence while exploring geometric concepts.
- Creative makers: Engage deeply with the hands-on, tangible construction of the geodesic dome, aligning with their preference for practical tasks.
Grade Level
- Elementary and primary school (3/4–5/6)
- From 8 to 12 years old
Subjects
- Art: Creating creative models with the different materials after the class.
- Mathematics: Identify different angles and geometry.
- Engineering: Create stable structures
The child needs to use their manipulative skills to draw and cut out a shape from foam rubber
Materials
- Lassercut Eva Foam modules or printed paper with the modules
- Scissors
- Wooden sticks or toothpicks
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Tape
- Glue (optional)
Duration
2 hours
Lesson Plan
Introduction
Duration: 5 minutes
Explain What is a platonic solid?
Discuss the differences between the different Platonic solids, their most important characteristics, and their history, and then move on to introduce the activity objective: building various Platonic solids and a Dome
Step-by-step development
Part 1: Regular Polyhedra (35 minutes)
Introduction: (5 minutes) Introduction to Regular Polyhedra and the polygons that constitute their faces. Evolutions and applications (sports, architecture, games, jewelry. Reflection on other applications observed by the students
How to: (5 minutes) Explanation of the main Regular Polyhedra and different ways to construct them.
Hands-on: (20 minutes) Hands-on Construction of different 2D and 3D objects (Triangle, Octahedron, Pyramid, Cube) using alquimetricos modules.
Conclusion of Part 1 (5 mins)
Part 2: Create a Dome (40 minutes)
Introduction & Applications (5 minutes)
Hands-on: (30 minutes)
Conclusion of Part 2 (5 minutes)
Part 3: Free creation phase (up to 15 minutes)
Students experiment with the materials to build their own structures, either by replicating or modifying existing ones or inventing something entirely new. Older students can focus on exploring how changes in geometric shapes (e.g., replacing triangles with hexagons) affect stability and functionality, while younger students can create symbolic figures, using their imagination to represent abstract or playful ideas. This phase encourages creativity and reflection, allowing students to deduce how their decisions impact the structure and reinforcing their understanding of geometry through hands-on experimentation.
Wrap-up & reflection
Cleaning Up the Workspace (5 minutes). Encourage students to reflect on how maintaining a clean environment contributes to their success in future projects.
Group Reflection: (10 minutes). Sharing ideas and learnings. Students take turns sharing their thoughts on the activity by answering prompts such as what they enjoyed most, the challenges they faced and how they overcame them, and what they learned about teamwork. Active listening and positive feedback are encouraged to create a supportive environment. The discussion concludes by connecting the skills practiced, like teamwork, problem-solving, and responsibility, to real-life applications.
Final Survey (5 minutes)
Extension activities
Other activities can include testing the stability of structures with weights, exploring real-world applications like geodesic domes in architecture, or creating artistic designs inspired by geometric patterns.
Students can research geometry in nature, such as honeycombs or crystals, or use coding platforms like Scratch to animate shapes.
For a hands-on challenge, they can build a life-sized structure using larger materials, reinforcing teamwork and practical application.
These activities deepen understanding by linking geometry to creativity, real-life problems, and interdisciplinary learning.
Additional Resources
- Presentation Slides: Geometría Divertida PowerPoint
- External Links: Alquimétricos Website, Dome Materials
- Download Files