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How to Use Quartz to Help Students

Quartz can be used in many different ways, including in a classroom. Quartz crystals come in a plethora of shapes and sizes with various numbers of faces, edges and vertices. These components allow quartz crystals to be utilized in the study of geometry. While traditional methods of teaching geometry involve prepackaged 3-D figures, the crystals allow students to make a real-life connection to what they are learning. Quartz crystals are not only beautiful to look at but they easily capture the interest and attention of reluctant students.

Instructions

    • 1

      Use a large quartz crystal to review faces, edges, vertices and shapes. Point to each face, edge and vertex and ask for a definition. Ask students to identify the shape of each face by pointing to the different shapes --- one at a time.

    • 2

      Divide your class into small groups of three or four students. If you are working with only a few students, allow them to work together to examine each crystal.

    • 3

      Give each group a small quartz crystal in an envelope marked with a number. Each crystal should have a different number of faces, edges and vertices.

    • 4

      Instruct each group to work together to count the number of faces, edges and vertices their crystal has. Remind them to record these numbers along with the number on the envelope. Instruct students to record the various shapes of the faces as well. For example, the crystals might have faces in the shape of a triangle, rectangle or hexagon.

    • 5

      Instruct students to place their crystal in the envelope and pass it to the next group when they are finished recording the data. Repeat this step until every group has counted and recorded the number of faces, edges and vertices along with the shapes of the faces for every crystal.

    • 6

      Compare small group answers when all students are finished. Provide the correct answers and review.

    • 7

      Instruct groups with incorrect answers to check their work. Watch as they keep track of each face, vertex and edge to ensure they are counting correctly.

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