Small Groups
Students willl discover how many faces, edges, and vertices on a prism and a pyramid.
Each geometric solid has a flat side called a face. They have edges which connect the faces. The corners are known as vertices (plural), or vertex (singular).
A jacket for a geometric solid that can be folded to cover the surface of the solid is called a net. A net is a way of representing the polyhedron in two dimensions.
2. Become mathematical problem solvers.
Invitation to Learn
Divide the class into four groups. Give groups A and B a sheet of the same colored
paper. Give groups C and D a sheet of the contrasting paper. Have groups A and
B measure and cut a rectangle that is 2” by 3.” Have group C cut
2 rectangles that measure 2” by 4.” Have group D cut 2 rectangles
that measure 3” by 4.” Collect all six sides and tape them together
to form a rectangular prism. Point out the faces, vertices and edges of the
figure. Ask the students to identify the shape of each of the faces. Are all
of the faces alike? In table form, have them record the numbers of faces, edges,
and vertices.
Instructional Procedures
Possible Extensions/Adaptations
Have students construct or design nets for other polyhedra. Add their edge/vertex/face
information to the chart and look for a pattern to predict additional information.
Let the students discover the equation “face + vertex - 2 = edges”
using leading questions such as:
Home/Family Connections
Students and their families can construct a variety of polyhedron nets at home.