Allison Faulkenberry

EMS 480, Spring 2018

Identifying Three-Dimensional Figures by Rotating Two-Dimensional Figures

Mathematics Learning Objective:

1. Students will be able to predict solids of revolution from two-dimensional shapes
2. Students will be able to define solid of revolution
3. Students will be able to sketch a solid of revolution that lies on an axis revolved around an axis
4. Students will be able to find the diameter of the base of a solid of revolution that lies on an axis
revolved around an axis
5. Students will be able to identify a two-dimensional shape from a solid of revolution that lies on an axis
revolved around an axis

Language Objectives:
1. Relate a 2D figure its corresponding 3D figure after it has been revolved about an axis
2. Differentiate between solids of revolution that have been revolved around the ​x​- or ​y​-axis and that are
formed from a triangle or quadrilateral
3. Identify diameters of solids of revolution

Essential Question: ​What is a solid of revolution and how is it formed from a two-dimensional figure?

Common Core State Mathematics Standards:

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSG.GMD.B.4​ Identify the shapes of two-dimensional cross-sections of
three-dimensional objects, and identify three-dimensional objects generated by rotations of two-dimensional
objects.

CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP2​ Reason abstractly and quantitatively.

CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP4 Model with mathematics.

CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP5​ Use appropriate tools strategically

Materials: ​Copies of “Identifying Three-Dimensional Figures by Rotating Two-Dimensional Figures” handout

(one per student), device such as laptop, Chromebook, or tablet with access to the internet, calculators (one
per student), classroom projector connected to device

Notes to the reader: ​Beforehand, have each of the following on a separate tab open in your internet browser
and projected to the class:
● A digital copy of the “Identifying Three-Dimensional Figures by Rotating Two-Dimensional Figures”
handout
● 3D Transmographer: ​http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/3DTransmographer/
● Padlet for submitting Question 6 figures: Use your own Padlet (padlet.com) link. Possible setup:
It is assumed that students have already experienced
● Identifying 3D figures and their properties
 ● Identifying polygons
● Graphing polygons
● Polygon Transformations

Detailed Plan for Instructional Time:

Time: 50-60 minutes
Time What is the teacher doing? What are students doing?

5 minutes Introduction Introduction

Introduce the definition of a ​solid of revolution Students will read and copy the definition of
by either writing the definition on the board or solids of revolution​ into their class
preparing it on a document to show on the notebooks.
projector ahead of time.

“A ​solid of revolution​ is a 3D figure obtained by

rotating a 2D figure (or curve) around a straight
line (called the axis) that lies in the same plane.”

An example to give the students is a revolving

door. A rectangle is revolved to create a cylinder.

Students will draw from past experiences and

Question Posed to Students:​ Can you think knowledge to give examples of objects that
of other objects that can be considered a solid could be considered a solid of revolution.
of revolution?

Possible Student Response: ​Vases, cones,

water bottles, wine glasses

Possible Misconception: ​Some students

may suggest a shape like a pyramid as a solid
of revolution. Explain that a shape with a
square base could not have resulted from a
revolution.

​Teacher: “​Today we will explore different 2D

shapes and their corresponding solids of
revolution on the coordinate plane.”

The teacher will pass out the worksheet entitled,

 “Identifying Three-Dimensional Figures by
Rotating Two-Dimensional Figures” (see
appendix)

10-15 Worksheet Worksheet

min
Teacher:​ “​I will help you compete Question 1. Students will type the link into their internet
Please navigate to the website provided at the browsers.
top of the worksheet.​”

The teacher will give the students 30-45 seconds

to do this. On the class projector, show the
website. Then, walk around the room to check
that students are successfully entering the
website address.

Teacher:​ “​Please follow along as we create our

first polygon. Start by finding the table called
“New Polygon” on the right of your screen. Since
Question 1 is creating a right triangle, we will be
using 3 vertices, so type 3 in the textbox next to
“How many vertices?” Then press “Go!”.
Students will follow the instructions given by
the teacher/handout to graph the right
triangle on the 3D Transmographer.

Teacher:​ “​Now type the 3 coordinates of the

vertices of the right triangle into the textboxes.
When you’ve finished click the “Graph” button
You will see a graph of a right triangle.”
The teacher will complete the steps on his or her
device that is connected to the projector. Once
these steps are complete, pause 30-45 seconds
to allow students to complete the steps. Walk
around the room to check that students are
successfully graphing the triangle.

Teacher:​ ​“Now imagine that we rotate this right

triangle 360 degrees around the y-axis. Can you
predict what 3D shape will be formed? Sketch
your prediction on the coordinate plane provided.

Question Posed to Students:​ Would anyone

like to share their sketch with the class?

Possible Student Response:

Teacher will direct the student volunteer to the

board to sketch their prediction. If the student is
correct in their prediction, continue the
discussion below. If the prediction is incorrect,
discuss the mistake and ask the student to try
again.

Possible Misconception: ​Some students

may revolve around the ​x​-axis instead, or
create a cone without a diameter of 18 units
(careless sketch).

Teacher:”​Let’s check [student name]’s

prediction. On your 3D Transmographer, find the
center box underneath the graph and click the
circle next to “across x = 0” at the bottom. Then,
click the revolve button.”
The teacher will complete the steps on his or her
device that is connected to the projector.
Students should see the hypotenuse of the right
triangle rotate around the ​y​-axis on the 3D
Transmographer.

Question Posed to Students:​ What is the

name of the 3D figure?

Possible Student Response: ​Cone

Question Posed to Students:​ What is the

diameter of the base of this cone?

Possible Student Response: ​18 units

Teacher:​ “​Take a moment to record our findings
and sketch your solid of revolution in the graph
provided in Question 1: Part B.”

The teacher will walk around the room making

sure students are on task and have created
correct solids of revolution. Once it seems most
students have completed Part B:

Question Posed to Students:​ Do you think

the same figure will result if we rotated the
right triangle around the ​x​-axis? What will be
the same or different?

Possible Student Response: ​No, the base

will now lie along the y-axis and the diameter
of the base will be 20 units.

Teacher:​ “​Let’s check [student name]’s

prediction. On your 3D Transmographer, find the
center box underneath the graph and click the
circle next to “across y = 0” at the bottom. Then,
click the revolve button.”
 The teacher will complete the steps on his or her
device that is connected to the projector. Then,
the teacher will walk around the room making
sure students are on task and have created
correct solids of revolution. Once it seems most
students have completed Part C:

Teacher:​ “​Now you will work independently to

complete questions 2 - 5. Please stop once you
have finished question 5 part B.”

20 min Independent Work Independent Work

While students are working, the teacher will walk

around the room making sure students are on
task, correcting mistakes, asking students to
justify prediction sketches, and answering
questions.
Students will work independently using the
handout as a guide. Students will use the 3D
transmographer to create solids of revolution
while answers questions about the solids on
the handout.

Students may ask the teacher to confirm their

predictions on Questions 5A and 5B. The
teacher should encourage students to test their
predictions on the 3D transmographer.
Possible Student Question:​ What is the
name of the 3D figure created from a
revolution of a trapezoid?
Teacher Response: ​frustrum​ -the portion
of a cone or pyramid that remains after its
upper part has been cut off by a plane
parallel to its base

Possible Student Question:​ Will the

frustrum have two diameters?

Teacher Response: ​Yes, just as a

 trapezoid has two bases, the frustrum will
have two bases.

Possible Student Question:​ How can I

tell if the figure is rotated around the ​x​- or
y​-axis in Question 5A?

Teacher Response: ​Note that the points

at the tips of the “cones” at (0,5) and (0,-5)
stay the same whereas the values at the
center are varied. This allows us to deduct
that it is revolved around the ​y​-axis.

15 min Concluding Activity Concluding Activity

Once it appears that the class has finished the
handout up to Question 5, ask for volunteers to
sketch solutions to Questions 5A and 5B.
Possible Solutions:
Question 5A:
Students should view volunteer’s solution to
Question 5 and volunteer opinions about the
solution. Students should then participate in
discussions about other possible solutions.

Question 5B:

Question Posed to Students:​ Are there other

 possible solutions to these questions?

Possible Student Response: ​Yes, the same

triangle in Question 5A, except reflected over
the ​y​-axis and the same trapezoid in Question
5B except reflected over the ​x​-axis.

Solution 2 Question 5A:

Solution 2 Question 5B​:

Teacher:​ “​Now you will have the opportunity to

create your own solid of revolution in Question 6.
Your task is to create a 3D figure using the
Transmographer, then take a screenshot of your
resulting solid of revolution. Then, use the link
given to open the class Padlet. Post your
screenshot onto the Padlet. Then, locate another
student’s post and find the 2D figure used to
create the solid. Comment on the student’s post
the 2D figure name, the vertices of the 2D figure,
and the axis of revolution. Do not replicate
comments, that is, choose a peer’s solid that has
not already been commented on.”
Lesson adapted from:
http://staff.rentonschools.us/renton/secondary-math/geometry-ccss-m-resources/download/G.GMD.4+Student
+Activity+Answers.docx?id=74466

Appendix:
● Identifying Three-Dimensional Figures by Rotating Two-Dimensional Figures Handout
● Handout Possible Solutions
Name: _____________________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period:______

Identifying Three-Dimensional Figures by Rotating Two-Dimensional Figures

For questions 1-3 go the website ​http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/3DTransmographer

Question 1​: ​The Right Triangle

Create a polygon with 3 vertices.

Use the following points as the vertices.

1: (9, 0)
2: (0, 0)
3: (0, 10)

Click the “Graph” button to graph the polygon.

A. Predict and sketch what three-dimensional shape will be formed when you rotate the right triangle around
the ​y​-axis.

B. Under the “Revolve” box, click the last button that says, “across ​x ​= 0.” Then, click the “Revolve” button.
What three-dimensional figure is formed by rotating the right triangle around the ​y​-axis? Was your prediction
accurate? Explain your reasoning and sketch a picture.

3D Figure Name: Diameter of Base:

Sketch:
 Was your prediction accurate? Explain why or why not.

C. Under the “Revolve” box, click the first button that says, “across y = 0.” Then, click the “revolve” button.
What three-dimensional figure is formed by rotating the right triangle around the x-axis? Sketch a picture.

3D Figure Name: Diameter of Base:

Sketch:
 Was your prediction accurate? Explain why or why not.

Question 2: The Rectangle

Create a Polygon with 4 vertices.

Use the following points as the vertices.

1: (10, 0)
2: (10, 6)
3: (0, 6)
4: (0, 0)

Click the “Graph” button to graph the polygon.

A. Predict and sketch what three-dimensional shape will be formed when you rotate the rectangle around
y​-axis.

B. Under the “Revolve” box, click the last button that says, “across ​x​ = 0.” Then, click “Revolve.” What
three-dimensional figure is formed by rotating the rectangle around the y-axis? Was your prediction accurate?
Explain your reasoning and sketch a picture.

3D Figure Name: Diameter of Base:

 Sketch:

Was your prediction accurate? Explain why or why not.

C. Under the “Revolve” box, click the first button that says, “across ​y​ = 0.” Then, click “Revolve.” What
three-dimensional figure is formed by rotating the rectangle around the x-axis? Sketch a picture. A cylinder is
created from the rectangle being rotated around the x-axis. Check student responses for a sketch.

3D Figure Name: Diameter of Base:

Sketch:
 Was your prediction accurate? Explain why or why not.

Question 3: The Trapezoid

Create a Polygon with 4 vertices.

Use the following points as the vertices.

1: (10, 0)
2: (4, 8)
3: (0, 8)
4: (0, 0)

Click the “Graph” button to graph the polygon.

A. Predict and sketch what three-dimensional shape will be formed when you rotate the trapezoid around the
y-axis.
B. Under the “Revolve” box, click the last button that says, “across ​x​ = 0.” Then, click “revolve.” What
three-dimensional figure is formed by rotating the trapezoid around the y-axis? Was your prediction accurate?
Explain your reasoning and sketch a picture.

3D Figure Name: Diameter of Bases:

Sketch:

Was your prediction accurate? Explain why or why not.

Question 4: The Semicircle
Given the semicircle to the right.

What three-dimensional figure is formed when the

semicircle is rotated around the y-axis? Explain how you
know.

Question 5: Working Backwards

A. Sketch a two-dimensional figure that is rotated around the ​y​-axis to form the figure below:

3D Figure: 2D Figure:

B. Sketch a two-dimensional figure is rotated around the ​x​-axis to form the figure below:

3D Figure: 2D Figure:
Question 6: Concluding Activity
Create a three-dimensional figure that has been revolved around the ​x-​ or ​y​-axis on the 3D Transmographer.
Take a screenshot of your figure and post on this Padlet: ​https://padlet.com/allison_faulkenberry/rjh23vm4coft​.
Then, comment on someone else’s padlet post (that hasn’t already been commented on) with the following:
● The name of the two-dimensional figure that was revolved
● the vertices the student used for the two-dimensional figure
● the axis that was used as the axis of rotation
Name: _____​Answer Key​_______________________________ Date: ___________________ Period:______

Identifying Three-Dimensional Figures by Rotating Two-Dimensional Figures

For questions 1-3 go the website ​http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/3DTransmographer

Question 1​: ​The Right Triangle

Create a polygon with 3 vertices.

Use the following points as the vertices.

1: (9, 0)
2: (0, 0)
3: (0, 10)

Click the “Graph” button to graph the polygon.

A. Predict and sketch what three-dimensional shape will be formed when you rotate the right triangle around
the ​y​-axis. ​Predictions will vary.

B. Under the “Revolve” box, click the last button that says, “across ​x ​= 0.” Then, click the “Revolve” button.
What three-dimensional figure is formed by rotating the right triangle around the ​y​-axis? Was your prediction
accurate? Explain your reasoning and sketch a picture.

3D Figure Name: Diameter of Base:

Cone D​ = 18

Sketch:
 Was your prediction accurate? Explain why or why not.

Answers will vary.

C. Under the “Revolve” box, click the first button that says, “across y = 0.” Then, click the “revolve” button.
What three-dimensional figure is formed by rotating the right triangle around the x-axis? Sketch a picture.

3D Figure Name: Diameter of Base:

Cone D​ = 20

Sketch:
 Was your prediction accurate? Explain why or why not.

Answers will vary.

Question 2: The Rectangle

Create a Polygon with 4 vertices.

Use the following points as the vertices.

1: (10, 0)
2: (10, 6)
3: (0, 6)
4: (0, 0)

Click the “Graph” button to graph the polygon.

A. Predict and sketch what three-dimensional shape will be formed when you rotate the rectangle around
y​-axis. ​Predictions will vary.
 B. Under the “Revolve” box, click the last button that says, “across ​x​ = 0.” Then, click “Revolve.” What
three-dimensional figure is formed by rotating the rectangle around the y-axis? Was your prediction accurate?
Explain your reasoning and sketch a picture.

3D Figure Name: Diameter of Base:

Cylinder D​ = 20

Sketch:

Was your prediction accurate? Explain why or why not.

 Answers will vary.

C. Under the “Revolve” box, click the first button that says, “across ​y​ = 0.” Then, click “Revolve.” What
three-dimensional figure is formed by rotating the rectangle around the x-axis? Sketch a picture. A cylinder is
created from the rectangle being rotated around the x-axis. Check student responses for a sketch.

3D Figure Name: Diameter of Base:

Cylinder D​ = 12

Sketch:

Was your prediction accurate? Explain why or why not.

Answers will vary.

Question 3: The Trapezoid

Create a Polygon with 4 vertices.

Use the following points as the vertices.

1: (10, 0)
2: (4, 8)
3: (0, 8)
4: (0, 0)

Click the “Graph” button to graph the polygon.

A. Predict and sketch what three-dimensional shape will be formed when you rotate the trapezoid around the
y-axis. ​Predication will vary.

B. Under the “Revolve” box, click the last button that says, “across ​x​ = 0.” Then, click “revolve.” What
three-dimensional figure is formed by rotating the trapezoid around the y-axis? Was your prediction accurate?
Explain your reasoning and sketch a picture.

3D Figure Name: Diameter of Bases:

Frustrum D​ = 20, ​D​ = 8

Sketch:
 Was your prediction accurate? Explain why or why not.

Answers will vary.

Question 4: The Semicircle

Given the semicircle to the right.

What three-dimensional figure is formed when the

semicircle is rotated around the y-axis? Explain how you
know.

A sphere is formed when you rotate a semicircle around

the ​y​-axis. This is known because a cross section of a
sphere is a circle so a semicircle would need to be
revolved.

Question 5: Working Backwards

A. Sketch a two-dimensional figure that is rotated around the ​y​-axis to form the figure below:
 3D Figure: 2D Figure:

B. Sketch a two-dimensional figure is rotated around the ​x​-axis to form the figure below:

3D Figure: 2D Figure:
Question 6: Concluding Activity
Create a three-dimensional figure that has been revolved around the ​x-​ or ​y​-axis on the 3D Transmographer.
Take a screenshot of your figure and post on this Padlet: ​https://padlet.com/allison_faulkenberry/rjh23vm4coft​.
Then, comment on someone else’s padlet post (that hasn’t already been commented on) with the following:
● The name of the two-dimensional figure that was revolved
● the vertices the student used for the two-dimensional figure
● the axis that was used as the axis of rotation
Example: