Solidly Platonic

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In this activity, learners follow simple directions to explore and create platonic solids. Learners count the number of faces, edges, and vertices in the structures they make out of paper and look for patterns, which they'll discover can be defined by Euler's formula.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per student
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 18
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Card stock or other heavy paper
  • Scissors
  • Tape
  • Shape templates

Keywords

Subjects

  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
      • Equations and Inequalities
      • Patterns
      • Variables and Expressions
    • Geometry
      • Plane Geometry
      • Solid Geometry
    • Representation

Informal Categories

  • Arts and Crafts

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Yu, Julie

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Exploratorium, 2007

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation, 0610238
  • National Science Foundation, 0925383