GeoConstructix

Map of Lesson

1. Step 1 – Use GeoConstructix for identifying geometry concepts to create non-digital prototypes
2. Step 2 – Build Your Own Sculpture

Before the lesson:

• Teacher will precut the GeoConstructix Each piece requires approximately 1.5 minutes.
• If desired, the lesson can be adapted to allow for the students to cut their own components out.

Step One: Identify geometry concepts to create non-digital prototypes (25 Minutes)

Guided Instruction: Students will gain an understanding of the relationship between fabrication process and assembly without technical aspects of digital modeling. Teacher will guide students through an activity in which they use laser cut 2D shapes to construct various 3D objects and learn about geometric shapes.

Essential Question: Why is it important to understand the characteristics and distinctions of two-and-three-dimensional figures?

Make sure students have the following supplies before beginning lesson plan:

• 6x square GeoConstructix
• 4x triangle GeoConstructix
• 16x rubber bands

1. Bell Ringer (15 Minutes): Provide students with a working understanding of Area vs. VolumeOn classroom smartboard, have students watch the following Khan Academy tutorials:

Intro to area and unit square:

1. https://www.khanacademy.org/math/basic-geo/basic-geo-area-and-perimeter/basic-geo-unit-square s-area/v/introduction-to-area-and-unit-squaresMeasuring volume as area times length:
   https://www.khanacademy.org/math/basic-geo/basic-geo-volume-sa/volume-rect-prism/v/measuring-volume-as-area-times-lengthRemind students of definitions:Definition: Area is the size of a surface of a 2-dimensional object such as a triangle or square. It has units of square inches (in2)Definition: Volume is the amount of space inside a solid 3-dimensional object such as a cube or sphere. Volume has dimensions of cubic inches (in3)
2. Transition (1 minute): Instruct students that they are to keep a definition list in their notebook; and each time they encounter new geometry vocabulary, add the term to their list.Illustrate each definition with a simple sketch.Tell students that the following fabrication geometry prototypes will be explored through this initial exercise.
   – Building a Cube
   – Building a TetrahedronTell students that two important reference equations are:Area of Triangle = ½ base * height
   Area of a Square = base * height
3. Building a cube (3 minutes):
   1. Use 6 square GeoConstructix to build a cube using rubber bands as shown below.
      • Fold all the flaps along the dashed line
      • Connect edges with rubber bands
        
   2. How many of the following are in your cube?
      1. Faces:
      2. Vertices:
      3. Edges:
         
         
   3. How many edges come together at each vertex?
   4. Measure the length of the edges to calculate the volume?Cube Volume = base * height * depthVCube = b * h * d
4. Building a Tetrahedron (3 minutes)
   A tetrahedron is a 4 sided platonic solid, made of triangles.
   • Use 4 GeoConstructix triangles to build the shape
   • How many edges come together at each vertex?Surface area is the total area of a 3-dimensional object. Find the area of each face and add it together to find the surface area.
   • What is the surface area of the tetrahedron?
   • What is the volume of the tetrahedron?
     • 
5.  Connecting Shapes (3 minutes)
   Connect the cube and the tetrahedron to make the following structure.What is the total number of:
   Edges:
   Vertices:
   Faces:What is the total surface area of the new sculpture?
6. Exit Ticket (10 Minutes)
   1. Describe the difference between area and volume?
   2. What is the area of the triangle GeoConstructix?
   3. What is the area of the square GeoConstructix?
   4. What is the unit of area?

Step 2: Build Your Own Sculpture

Essential Question: In what ways are geometric figures used in real life?

Warm-up (10 Minutes): Describe the the fundamentals of laser cutting:

• What computer program is used to control the laser?
• What does it mean to vector?
• What settings must you change if you want to vector a line?
• What does it mean to raster?
• Describe the required steps to focus the laser?

Question for students:

• Has anyone seen a laser cutter before?
• Has anyone used a laser cutter before?
• What are some things you might cut with a laser?
• Who knows the steps in the engineering design process?:

Making of Shapes: (50 Minutes)

1. Begin by explaining and modeling: In whole class setting review how to use the laser cutting machine.
   • NOTE: Here’s an instructional video from MC2 STEM High School on their Epilog Laser machine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1OX844Jupo
2. Guide the students to design their own sculptures, using the basic shapes from Step 1 as foundations or jumping off points, and adding other embellishments such etched designs, LED electronics, and other craft materials.
   • Say:
     • To complete your own creative sculpture get additional pieces from the supply bins. Be sure to save supplies for other groups.
     • Use the additional pieces to build your own unique geometric sculpture. Work with your team to connect all of your pieces in an interesting pattern.
   • Show examples for inspiration.

(From Fab Testing in Cleveland (Andrea Fields))