Platonic and Archimedean Solids

In geometry, a Platonic solid is a convex polyhedron (a polyhedron is a geometric solid whose faces are each flat polygons) made up of one type of regular polygon. There are five Platonic solids: the tetrahedron, hexahedron (cube), octahedron, dodecahedron and icosahedron. 

Archimedean solids, as first described by the ancient Greek philosopher Archimedes, are convex polyhedra that can be made up of two or more types of regular polygons. There are 13 Archimedean solids.  
 
In this lesson, pupils will find the angles for a variety of both Platonic and Archimedean solids before modelling 3D connectors (couples) to construct each shape using wooden dowel rods (or other suitable materials). 
Subjects
Design and TechnologyScienceMathematicsMasaryk University
Years | Grades
7th Grade | 11-12 years8th Grade | 12-13 years9th Grade | 13-14 years
Duration
Lesson 1: 90 Min Print Time: 1-2 Hrs

Platonic and Archimedean solids Trailer
Play 0:50

Objectives

  • Find the angles for each of the 5 platonic solids. 
  • Design a rod connector for each of the 5 platonic solids. 
  • Build the result using TinkerCAD® software and print out, construct each of the platonic solids.
 

Tools and equipment

  • Wooden dowel rods (or other suitable materials e.g., drink straws or cocktail sticks)  
  • BE3D eDee Printer  
  • Set of example models  
  • Computer with access to the Internet and TinkerCAD®
 

Skill requirements

To participate in the lesson, students should be able to: 
  • Use TinkerCAD, Fusion 360 or Similar CAD software at an intermediate level 
  • Be comfortable using DeeControl2 software including adjusting print settings 
  • Use the BE3D eDee 3D printer

Platnonic and Archimedean solids WALKTHROUGH
Locked Play 3:26

3D models overview

  • Total print time 30 hours
  • Total filament 50 m
  • Additional non-printable components
  • Printed all at once
CUBE CONNECTOR
  • 30 minutes
  • 1 m
DODECAHEDRON CONNECTOR
  • 30 minutes
  • 1 m
ICOSAHEDRON CONNECTOR
  • 30 minutes
  • 1 m
OCTAHEDRON CONNECTOR
  • 30 minutes
  • 1 m
TETRAHEDRON CONNECTOR
  • 30 minutes
  • 1 m
Note: Values are calculated for one set of models.

Lesson resources

  • Lesson plan 
  • Example models 
  • Worksheet 
  • Walkthrough 
  • Presentation 
  • 3D Models 
  • 3D Print instructions 
  • Curriculum Alignment