More Ideas
If you have ONE MORE DAY (or two or three), try out a few of these creative extension ideas"
BuildinG A BIG TETRAHEDRON
TIPS for constructing larger tetrahedrons:
Use packing tape: it works best for the long edges. The more tape…the better! Using cardstock paper also gives larger tetrahedrons more stability.
Reinforce connection points with straws or popsicle sticks: To prevent sagging, tape straws, rulers, or sticks along weak spots.
“Quality control” is important when taping and joining tetrahedrons...so is teamwork and cooperation.
Decide the size first: Tetrahedrons grow by four: 4, 16, 64, 256, 1024, 4096. Hint: A 64 piece one takes about one hour. A 16,384 piece one could take several months and requires a very large space (see photo).
Other fun ideas…
COOKING/MATH: Have a BBQ sauce tasting competition. Use potato chips or crackers to sample sauces. Compile, chart, or graph results.
ART: Create cartoon-style illustrations inspired by the artwork of James Harris III.
WRITING: Choose one of the seven characters and write one more chapter in their voice telling about their future life.
GROUP PROJECT: Develop and plan a world record attempt for your school.
Fill a bus with soup cans for a food pantry, or read a thousand books...
TECH/COMPUTER: Design a promotional website, video, menu, or Podcast
for Willy Q’s BBQ.
ART/TEAMWORK: Have each classroom choose a scene in the story and
“design a door” to recreate that scene. Give out prizes for the best doors!
MATH: Learn how to build and fly a tetrahedron kite at the NCTM website.
More great tetrahedron extension activities can be found in this article in the
Mathematical Association of America magazine.
DISCUSSION: Describe a special food or family recipe that evokes a strong memory for you.
Classroom Door Project
SPECIAL THANKS to the following schools, librarians, and teachers for contributing many of the creative
ideas and suggestions for this site:
Cynthia Vernon & Albion Middle School, OH
Karen Settles, Oscar Smith Middle School, VA
Scott Mewborn, Moody Middle School, VA
Kathy Wright, Kennedy Elementary School, MA
Kent City Schools, OH
Becky Sloan, E.H. Greene Intermediate School, OH