Describe Prisms and Pyramids Using Algebra

The first 10-15 minutes of this section are for students to build a prism and a pyramid.  I will have nets ready to cut for prisms and pyramids from a triangular base up to an octagonal base.  Before students start working, I will explain how to cut and fold the net for best results.  It will help to set a timer so that this process, including cleanup, can be finished quickly.  Once the shapes are made, students will complete a table to describe the attributes of each shape.  I will give about 30 seconds per shape and then ask students to pass the shapes on.  Once we’ve agreed on the attributes, I ask students to describe the various parts of an n-sided prism and pyramid (MP2, MP8).  I’d like students to grapple with this independently before seeking help.  I will ask: What is the relationship between the sides of the base and the lateral faces, vertices and edges?  Students will then be asked to find any attribute of a solid when given another piece of information.  Example:  A certain prism has 12 vertices, how many sides does the base shape have?

The lesson will conclude with an exit ticket.  Students work independently.