Contextualization
Mathematics is an abstract and often complex discipline. In particular, the study of shapes and their properties may seem distant from students' everyday reality. However, in fact, the world around us is full of shapes and polygons.
From the architectural structures we see around us, the objects we use in our daily lives, to even nature, such as the cells that form our body and the flowers that adorn a garden, everything has a shape that can be represented through polygons. Therefore, understanding the properties of shapes is essential not only to deal with mathematical problems but also to more deeply understand the world we live in.
Introduction
In this project, we will address the properties of shapes by exploring the concept of polygons, which are closed flat figures formed by line segments. Polygons are basic elements of geometry and are classified according to the number of their sides or angles.
In addition to polygons, we will learn about the elements that make up these shapes, such as vertices, sides, and angles. Each polygon, depending on the number of sides and angles, has its specific characteristics and properties. We will learn to describe and differentiate polygons like triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, among others.
Understanding the properties of polygons will help us solve more complex problems, especially those involving measurements and proportions. Furthermore, by the end of the project, we will be able to apply the acquired knowledge to identify, describe, and compare polygons in everyday life.
Practical Activity
Title: Exploring and Building the World of Polygons
Project Objective
The purpose of this project is the in-depth learning of the properties of shapes, notably polygons, through a practical and interdisciplinary approach involving Mathematics and Arts.
Required Materials
- Colored paper
- Rulers
- Compass
- Scissors
- Colored pencils
- Markers
- Glue
- Cardboard
- Research materials (books, internet access, etc.)
Detailed Project Description
The project will be divided into three main complementary stages: research and theoretical study, practical execution, and activity report. The total duration of the project will be approximately 30 hours of work per student, divided over several weeks.
Stage 1: Research and Theoretical Study (Approximately 10 hours)
Students, in groups of 3 to 5, should delve into the study of polygons, their types, properties, and the usefulness and application of these shapes in everyday life. The research should be comprehensive, covering various sources such as textbooks, online sources, videos, among others. During this stage, groups should take notes and summaries to aid in understanding the concepts.
Stage 2: Practical Execution (Approximately 15 hours)
In this stage, students will put the acquired knowledge into practice. Each group will choose five different types of polygons to represent through three-dimensional artistic models. Students must create these models using colored paper, cardboard, and other available art materials. The models should be as accurate as possible, correctly representing the elements of the chosen polygons (number of sides, angles, vertices, etc.).
Stage 3: Activity Report (Approximately 5 hours)
Groups should prepare a detailed report of the project, which should include:
- An introduction to the theme, the relevance of polygons and their properties in the real world, as well as the project's objective.
- A development chapter containing a theoretical review of the concepts studied, the detailed description of the practical activities carried out, the group's work methodology, and the results obtained, which should include the three-dimensional models.
- A conclusion that summarizes the main points, explains the learnings obtained, and the conclusions drawn from the project.
- A bibliography with all the research sources used by the group.
Groups should pay attention to the document's presentation. It should be clear, well-structured, with appropriate language, and should reflect the group's dedication and effort during the project.
Project Deliverables
Students must deliver the three-dimensional models representing five types of polygons and a detailed project report. The report should fit and complement what was developed during the project execution, making connections between the theory studied and the practice carried out.
