Stations 9 and 10

Building A Pyramid

A hands-on exercise: from net to geometric solid.

by Eldred Marshall

Table of Contents || Versión español

• 6th grade
      Measurement and Geometry 1.3
      Mathematical Reasoning 1.0
• 7th grade
      Measurement and Geometry 1.2
      Mathematical Reasoning 1.0
• 8th grade
      Algebra I 25.0

MATERIALS:

1. Four 8 1/2" X 11" sheets of paper
2. Four scissors
3. Four rulers
4. Four black pencils
5. Four red pencils
6. Four blue pencils
7. Tape

DIRECTIONS:

1. Following Diagram 1, fold one corner of the paper to the opposite side. Cut off the extra rectangle. The result is an 8 1/2" square sheet of paper.

   

2. Fold the paper in half and in half again. Open the paper out and mark the midpoint on each side. Draw a line connecting opposite center points.

   

3. Measure 3 1/4 inches out from the center on each of the four lines. Draw a red line from each corner of the paper to each point you just marked. Cut along these red lines to see what to throw away.

   

4. Draw blue lines as shown below.

   

5. Neatly print your name at the base of one of the sides of the pyramid (before folding and taping).
6. Fold along the lines. Tape the edges together.

   

7. Congratulations! You now have a pyramid that is a scale model of the Great Pyramid at Giza.

PRODUCT:

BONUS:

Calculate the surface area for your pyramid using the formula: SA = b^2 + 2bs, where b is one of the sides of the base and s is the slant height (the distance from the base to the vertex of one of the triangular faces).

SA = _______________________ in.^2 (square inches)

Calculate the volume of your pyramid using the formula: V=b^2h/3, where b is one of the sides of the base and h is the height.

V = _______________________ in.^3 (cubic inches)

CLEAN-UP: