Orthographic Projection with Merge Cube

Merge Cube has been a hit with stores like Walmart offering the simple flexible cubes for a dollar a piece. Merge cube is a simple way to get students using augmented reality in a QR code way. Students scan the Merge Cube with an app and a magical world appears.

One of my favorite apps using the Merge Cube is Dig!

Using the app changes a simple cube with a bunch of symbols looking like hieroglyphics into another world. You can build and deconstruct the cube that looks almost exactly like Minecraft. The reason I like this app the most is that students can build using the app.

My students at the beginning of the year struggle with this concept of orthographic projection and being able to correctly sketch the block layout. Having students use the Merge Cube students can grasp that conceptual understanding that they don't get from a sketch.  Last year I borrowed some of the wooden blocks our construction teacher uses and it was a great way for some of the students to see the finished product. The app allows students to see around each object looking at it from the sides and from the top.

What I would like to see is have students create their own and have stations at each group where students correctly draw the orthographic projection of their groups creation. 

                                 

TIP: If you can't get a Merge Cube for each student, there is a shortcut. I printed a picture of one side of the Merge Cube and you can't rotate it like a Merge Cube showing each side, but students can use that one side to create especially using the Dig! app.

Orthographic Projects with Blueprints

Blueprints is a board game where you try to score the most amount of points by constructing a building out of dice, first person to win 3 games wins. That was the short version.

There are lots of different ways to incorporate this game into any math classroom. First is the way you score points, it would be a great way to review order of operations.

Basically there are four color dice, when you use them they have different point values. The orange ones increase by two by the
number that touches that specific orange one. Green ones increase by the specific number of green ones you have. Black ones increase by a specific number according to its height. Lastly, clear ones are the top number on the dice that is rolled. When you have a variety of different dice, you get a number that needs to be added in a complex way.

The next is one that I use in my classroom. I bought 4 copies on CamelCamelCamel for about 18.00$ a piece. Students were placed in groups of 4, students were taught how to play the game with a mentor game. In the game you get extra points for completing a specific build. I added extra points if they could draw an orthographic project of their build from the top, side, and front.  On the right is one of mine mid-board game night with the wife.  The cards have a unique view like most of the worksheets when searching orthographic projection, but this makes a good review game. 

Block Craft 3D and Orthographic Projections

I have wanted to use Minecraft in the classroom for a couple years now, but Minecraft is a paid app and I have found a free alternative. I was surprised to find out how many already had Minecraft on their iPads already and already had made wonderful buildings.

We are using Block Craft 3D for an end of the year geometry unit to get students ready for full time Geometry. I pre-taught orthographic projection, area, perimeter, and volume.

Students were given two days to make their own building or house using the app.  Students could update and use their Minecraft creations as well.

When students create their building they have to find the sides, front, and top.  The had to take screen shots of the sides and find the orthographic projection of each side.

The final product will look something like this.  This is a great culminating project for students and also a great introduction to next year where they will be more experienced with Geometry.