Dodecahedron
You might be asking what in the world a dodecahedron is. In simplest terms it is any geometric shape with twelve flat faces. If you click the name you can see the long explanation that includes mathematical formulas and complex terms.
This shape has an interesting history. It has connected mathematics and philosophy in interesting twists, with some thinking that this geometric shape represents the divine. Known of since the Classical Greeks it is a shape of crystals and natural gemstones.
OK, so you are probably wondering why I am babbling on about a shape. Well, my new found knowledge is a small example of unschooling. Something that even adults can experience. It began with a post that included folding paper to make toys. Looking for more paper folding ideas I found this how-to on making a 12 sided calendar, an important skill for any gamers out there missing a 12 sides die. This shape is known as a dodecahedron, a name so long that I was compelled to search for. It’s interesting that I know I took geometry in high school, and I know I passed the class, and yet the name was completely foreign to me. But a little self-motivation and interest and I’m sure I won’t forget the name again.
One other fun thing. While searching for more information on dodecahedra (the plural of dodecahedron, I’m so cool) I found this fun little origami page. Go check out the cool designs he has made. These fun shapes make me almost want to grab some paper and try to learn it myself.
geometry, shapes, dodecahedron
March 3rd, 2008 at 1:32 pm
My kids LOVE dodecahedrons. Of course that is because my husband collects gaming dice and has a slew of 12 sided as well as 4, 6, 8, 10, and 20’s. We use them for everything.
March 3rd, 2008 at 4:55 pm
I love the origami! My son is convinced that the picture is a drawing and not a real photo. I may just have to try to make one to prove him wrong!
I find that the more time we spend as unschoolers, the more I see math as a real life tool rather than a skill needed to complete worksheets and exams. As someone who became soured on math in high school, I’m amazed by my son who does math problems in his head for the fun of it.
March 3rd, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Guess what I was writing about in my blog post today?
We were reading about the classical elements and noted that the dodecahedron was the solid that Plato ascribed to the fifth element, the aether of the heavens. We constructed the 5 solids with paper in January and I think we’re going to do it again and decorate them to represent their corresponding element.
So I’m sitting here chuckling thinking that homeschooling moms must be the geekiest group of moms - getting all excited about platonic solids and paper folding.
March 4th, 2008 at 8:52 am
Geek? Moi? (Okay, I confess I am.)
March 4th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
I accept and embrace my geekiness.
March 10th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
my new babby loves them. kelly