Tessellating the Sphere with Regular Polygons

Author:
Hortensia Soto-Johnson teaches mathematics at Colorado State University— Pueblo, Pueblo, CO 81001

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and
Dawn Bechthold is a graduate of Colorado State University– Pueblo

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Volume/Issue:
Volume 97: Issue 3
Page(s):
165–167
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5951/MT.97.3.0165
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Spherical geometry can be used to entice students into a deeper understanding of Euclidean geometry. Determining which regular spherical polygons tessellate the sphere is another motivating topic that is accessible to high school students. The most recognizable tessellations of the sphere are found on balls, such as soccer balls, volleyballs, and golf balls. Even Spaceship Earth at Epcot Center in Disney World involves tessellation.

Footnotes

Hortensia Soto-Johnson is interested in mathematics education, geometry, and statistics

Dawn Bechthold works in the loan department at Pueblo Bank and Trust.

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Mathematics Teacher
Cover Mathematics Teacher
Copyright:
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Inc. All rights reserved. 2004
Page Count:
3
Article Category:
Research Article
Print Publication Date:
01 Mar 2004
Online Publication Date:
Mar 2004
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