Context
Mathematics is present in our daily lives in various ways; geometry is one such example. It can help us understand the world around us and its structures. This project specifically explores the concept of prisms with a focus on their surface area.
A prism is a three-dimensional geometric solid bounded by polygons. It is characterized by a congruent base and opposite face (same shape and size), connected by parallel edges. The surface area of a prism is calculated by summing the areas of all the faces of the object. Understanding this concept is essential for understanding the space occupied by objects in our daily lives, as well as their shape and structure.
Knowing how to calculate the surface area of a prism opens doors to understanding advanced concepts used in a range of real-world structures, from buildings and houses with prism shapes to simpler everyday objects like a cereal box or a soda can.
Introduction
Studying the surface area of a prism is crucial in mathematics. It helps students understand the structure and how the surface that composes it is defined. When we can calculate the area of a prism, we can better predict and understand how elements around us with prism shapes were planned and built.
Calculating surface area is an essential skill in various professional careers, such as engineering, architecture, and design, where understanding and applying knowledge about the surface area of a prism are daily activities.
It is important to note that practicing calculations involving the surface area of prisms develops our logical reasoning and problem-solving skills, which are increasingly valued in the job market and in everyday situations.
Practical Activity: Miniature Surface Areas
Project Objective
This project aims to apply theoretical knowledge on the surface area of prisms in a hands-on and creative activity. Students will create a miniature prism park with three-dimensional structures made of paper or cardboard. By the end of the project, students will measure and calculate the surface area of these structures, applying concepts learned in class.
Project Description
Students in groups of 3 to 5 will design and build various types of prisms using paper or cardboard and then calculate the surface area of each one.
Each group will construct a miniature prism park that must contain at least one prism of each type: triangular prism, rectangular prism, hexagonal prism, etc.
This activity will allow students to apply their knowledge of surface area while developing social-emotional skills like time management, collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity.
Required Materials
- Paper or cardboard to build the prisms;
- Ruler for precise measuring and cutting;
- Pencil and eraser;
- Scissors;
- Glue.
Step-by-Step
- Each group plans their miniature prism park by drawing the prisms they will build and discussing the dimensions of each one.
- Once the planning is done, start building the prisms using the chosen material. Each face of the prism must be carefully measured and cut.
- Assemble the prisms by gluing the necessary faces.
- After all the structures are ready, each group calculates the surface area of each prism and records the results.
- The groups discuss and reflect on the results obtained, relating them to the concept of the surface area of the prisms learned in class.
- Groups prepare a presentation of their miniature prism park for the class, sharing the challenges faced during the project and their conclusions.
Project Deliverables
To conclude the project, each group submits a report with four sections: introduction, development, conclusion, and bibliography.
- Introduction: Should provide context on the topic, its relevance, and real-world applications, as well as the project's objectives.
- Development: Should detail the theory on the surface area of prisms, explain the practical activity in detail, outline the methodology used, and present the results obtained from the surface area calculations.
- Conclusion: Should have students conclude the project by summarizing the main points, explicitly stating what they learned, and drawing conclusions about the project.
- Bibliography: Should list the sources used as the basis for the project.
In addition to the report, the groups present their miniature prism parks to the class, explaining how each prism was constructed, how surface area calculations were done, and what challenges they encountered during the project.
The project requires a solid understanding of theoretical concepts, problem-solving skills, and socio-emotional skills such as time management, collaboration, and communication.
