Thursday, January 5, 2012

5th grade Polyhedrons



*This post has taken on a life of its own.....via Pinterest! If you try the project yourself , would you please share your results with me? I would love it! 
Also, you will find this post very helpful for directions in completing this project. The template for the shape can be found at the bottom of the previously mentioned post. I have been receiving lots of "help" comments and I don't want to leave anyone hanging! You can also contact me via my school email address which you find under the "about me" page on this blog. Happy art making!

My 5th graders have been working SO HARD on completing this very cool and very modern looking sculpture called a polyhedron. The kid are very proud when they finally finish putting together all 30 pieces. It takes a lot of dedication, time and attention to detail to get it just right. Not to mention, patience and lots of problem solving! Here are the first two students who completed their sculptures:


This lesson idea was found on Artsonia. Art teacher, Micah Snider from Wichita, KS has been very helpful at coaching me through the process via email. Thank you so much, Micah!

25 comments:

  1. These are SO COOL. I want to find out how to make them with my students - can you pass on any info?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Holy SMOKES!! I cannot even imagine creating one of those myself, let alone teaching them to 5th graders!!! They are so impressive.

    ReplyDelete
  3. These are fantastic! Yes, can you please share any information on how to make these?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi ladies!!! I will give some more information and tips very shortly. I cannot take credit for this project---found it on Artsonia and the teacher, Micah Snider, has been my "email teacher" guiding me through the process!! I'm getting ready to host teachers in my room during after school studio times because everyone is enchanted and wants their own!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Very cool! I really like the size of pieces you chose to use. I think I might try that size next year. Way to go!

    ReplyDelete
  6. It is possible to get the instructions? I see the other posts, but I can't seem to find a link with additional information. I am sorry if I am missing this.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi 6thMathisFun, here is a post which will help you!
    http://spaldingart.blogspot.com/2012/01/make-polyhedron.html

    ReplyDelete
  8. If there ANY way you could post a template of the shape or at least one shape flattened out!!! Thanks TONS
    ELE

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi ELE-
    Follow this link. Scroll all the way down the page. You will see the shape under Step 1: What You Need
    http://www.instructables.com/id/Universal-lamp-shade-polygon-building-kit/

    ReplyDelete
  10. How/ where did you store this project? Looks like it would take up a lot of space!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wish I had a great answer for this :) it's no easy feat! They had to be laid on my back counter and in empty cupboards in my room! Great question with a less than awesome answer :)

      Delete
  11. I think I am going to try these with my high school class. That is if I can figure it out myself. I am impressed that your 5th graders can do these.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Daun, yes trying it out first is imperative!!!! Teachung it is no easy feat. Best of luck!!

      Delete
  12. Hello! I am doing this project with my sixth graders! It is awesome! The problem I have discovered is that my last piece is not fitting on all 4 corners. I got all the other pieces to work and 3 of the corners but it just won't come together for the 4th corner. Any suggestions? I mean I just have it sit on that part, but I would like to know what I did wrong! lol Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mrs. G, the last piece is the hardest to place. If I remember correctly, you kind of have to gently hold it in kind of a vertical roll position as you notch the corners into place. Check to make sure the piece is not upside down as well because then it really won't go in! Keep me posted. Hope this helps :)

      Delete
    2. Oh and you can almost feel the pressure of the entire sphere kind of pull when you latch in the last notch. Don't be afraid to pull! The paper is stronger than you might think!

      Delete
  13. I figured it out and it worked out awesome! Thanks so much for sharing this project! I have peaked the interest of the math teachers as well! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Congratulations are in order! I'm very happy for you!! I find that this project really creates a sensation! I ended up teaching a workshop to several teachers who were interested. You can also use this project to motivate for good behavior :)

      Delete
  14. I love these! Would you mind sharing the steps or paper shape/pattern? What would I have to make? is it just a square?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ashley,
      Please use this link for helpful directions and the pattern shape:
      http://spaldingart.blogspot.com/2012/01/make-polyhedron.html

      Delete
  15. How do you get started? First 2 corners then 3 then 4?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jordan,
      Unfortunately, it's not as easy as that and takes some playing around with. You have to just get in there and try :) The pieces fit together by linking the corners, yes. Have you tried it out yet? I cried the first time I tried to build one. But I didn't give up!

      Delete
  16. Thank you for taking the time to publish this information very useful! loft conversions essex

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for leaving your comments! They are greatly appreciated!!