A Place in Space

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Learners construct and use a "real" 3D coordinate system out of balsa wood and foam core. They will then be able to locate coordinates in space. They will also be asked to find the coordinates of the 8 corners of a box with given dimensions. Resource contains vocabulary definitions and suggestions for assessment, extensions, and scaling for different levels of learners.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 3' Length of ¼" x ¼" balsa wood or wooden dowel
  • A fast adhesive: glue gun, rubber cement, or perhaps even a golf ball sized ball of clay
  • Marker
  • Ruler
  • Utility knife or scissors
  • 1' x 1' square of corrugated cardboard, foam-core board, or poster board
  • 3D Coordinates Worksheet

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
  • Mathematics
    • Geometry
      • Plane Geometry
      • Solid Geometry
    • Measurement
      • Units of Measurement
      • Size and Scale

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Burnham, Ben

Source Collection

  • TeachEngineering

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Regents of the University of Colorado, 2013