Explorando os sólidos de Platão: Uma abordagem prática com uso de materiais manipuláveis no ensino de Geometria

Abstract

This study addresses the Platonic Solids through a hands-on approach using manipulable materials in Geometry education. The research aimed to promote a practical instructional strategy employing low-cost manipulatives to enhance the understanding and learning of 8thgrade students in lower secondary education at a municipal public school in Uruçuí, Piauí, Brazil, regarding concepts related to Platonic polyhedral. A mixed-methods (qualitative– quantitative) approach was adopted, involving fifteen students through the administration of a pre-test, the construction of Platonic Solids using cardstock templates, and the application of a post-test. The results revealed significant improvements in students’ understanding of the concepts of faces, edges, vertices, and Euler’s Formula, as well as increased participation and interest throughout the proposed activities. It is concluded that the use of manipulable materials enhances spatial visualization skills and contributes to a more meaningful learning of geometric concepts. Keywords: Platonic solids; manipulable materials; spatial geometry; mathematics education