Table of Contents

Phase 5 - Powering Up

Junior Space Explorer Challenge #5

Teacher Notes

1. This activity can be completed individually or in pairs.

2. The suggested completion time is 15-25 minutes.

3. The activity can be assessed for accuracy in replicating the shape using the designated pieces.

Junior Space Explorer Challenge # 5

Over the course of your trip as a Junior Space Explorer, you have discovered the importance of geometric shapes. In Challenge #5, you will demonstrate your skill in using a variety of polygons to construct given shapes.

1. Follow these instructions to create the polygons that you will use.

   • a. Start with a 15 cm paper square.
     
     
   • b. Fold the square in half and cut along the fold line. You should now have two large triangles.
     
     
   • c. Take one triangle, fold it in half and cut along the fold line. You should now have two smaller triangles and the larger triangle.
     
     
   • d. Take the larger triangle. Make two folds, first in half, then the top corner down. Cut off the top corner you folded down.
     
     
   • e. Cut the trapezoid you just produced in half.
     
     
   • f. Fold one of those two trapezoid halves to make a square and a triangle. Cut along the fold line.
     
     
   • g. Fold the last trapezoid half to make a parallelogram and a triangle. Cut along the fold line.
     
     
   • h. You should now have 2 large triangles, 1 medium triangle, 2 small triangles, a square and a parallelogram for a total of seven pieces.
     
     

2. Use these polygons to form new shapes shown in the chart. Note the required polygons you must use to construct the shape.

3. Complete the chart below by sketching in the polygons you used to form the new shapes.

Chart - Junior Space Explorer - Challenge # 5

Answers - Junior Space Explorer - Challenge # 5