Geometry: Models of Transformation Project

One of my favorite projects that was born in collaboration with Mrs. Bae-Lee when we were teaching at the Preuss School UCSD: students pick a 3-D object, calculate surface area and volume, predict them for a model using Fundamental Theorem of Similarity and build the model to measure and confirm their prediction.

Over the years I modified the project, but the idea is still the same.

My favorite of all times is the No.2 pencil. It is so simple, but so elegant: the solids that are used in it are hexagonal prism for the body, cylinder for the eraser, and a cone for the tip.

Different years bring different projects, but I am always amazed how creative the students are.