Platonic Solids

Visit curriculumonline.ie for more information

Summary:

Relates to the concept of shape including the triangle, square and vertices. In particular the definition of a polygon and what it means for a polygon to be regular.

Also relates to the concept of Symmetry, pattern recognition etc.

Follows the key ‘learning through investigation and discovery’ tenet of Project Maths.
Main learning outcomes:

Understanding of regular polygon, regular solid, face and vertex.

Knowing there are only 5 Platonic solids (and why for older students)

How to construct a regular solid from either pieces, cardboard or sticks.


Junior Certificate – Mathematics

All aims and objectives of the curriculum.

Strand 2 – Geometry and Trigonometry

2.1 Synthetic Geometry – Concepts

Line, angle, length, degree, triangle, equilateral triangle, polygon, quadrilateral, convex quadrilateral, rectangle, square, vertex, vertices, equal angles.

2.3 Trigonometry

2.4 Transformation Geometry (Symmetry)

2.5 Synthesis and problem-solving skills

Strand 3 – Number

3.4 Applied Measure

2D shapes and 3D solids, including nets of solids (two-dimensional representations of three-dimensional objects).

Using nets to analyse figures and to distinguish between surface area and volume.

Geometry Curriculum

6.7 – Quadrilaterals and Parallelograms: Definitions 28 to 33.


Junior Certificate – Technical Graphics

3.2.2 Plane Geometry – Plane Figures

3.3 Descriptive Geometry (relates to solids and rotations, symmetry)

3.4.2.2 Communication Graphics – Graphics in Designing – Modelling of Solutions – Regular and semiregular polyhedra

Also co-ordinates with many of the aims, principles, learning outcomes and assessment criteria of the course.


Junior Certificate – Technology

3.1.3 Energy and Control – Structure


Junior Certificate – Art, Craft and Design

Aim 2.5 To promote in the student a practical understanding of and competence in the principles and skills underlying visual and constructional design and problem-solving.

Objective 3.9 – Understand relative scientific, mathematical and technological aspects of art, craft and design.

7.3 Three Dimensional Art, Craft and Design – Constructional Process