In this program we explore the properties of three-dimensional figures. We do this in the context of two real-world applications. In the first, we look at the three-dimensional structure of Mayan pyramids. These stair-step structures provide a unique opportunity to also explore sequences and series.

We visit ancient Greece to learn about the Platonic Solids. This provides an introduction to the more general topic of three-dimensional figures.

Rectangular Prisms. Mayan pyramids are essentially stacks of rectangular prisms. The volume of each successive level is a percentage decrease of its lower neighbor. This introduces the notion of a geometric sequence and series, including an infinite series.

The Shanghai Tower in China is a stack of cylindrical shapes, where each successive layer is a percentage decrease of its lower neighbor. As with the previous section, this introduces the notion of a geometric sequence and series.

This is part of a series of video animations of three-dimensional figures. These animations show different views of these figures: top, side, and bottom. Many of these figures are a standard part of the geometry curriculum and being able to recognize them is important.

This is part of a series of video animations of three-dimensional figures. These animations show different views of these figures: top, side, and bottom. Many of these figures are a standard part of the geometry curriculum and being able to recognize them is important.

This is part of a series of video animations of three-dimensional figures. These animations show different views of these figures: top, side, and bottom. Many of these figures are a standard part of the geometry curriculum and being able to recognize them is important.

This is part of a series of video animations of three-dimensional figures. These animations show different views of these figures: top, side, and bottom. Many of these figures are a standard part of the geometry curriculum and being able to recognize them is important.

This is part of a series of video animations of three-dimensional figures. These animations show different views of these figures: top, side, and bottom. Many of these figures are a standard part of the geometry curriculum and being able to recognize them is important.

This is part of a series of video animations of three-dimensional figures. These animations show different views of these figures: top, side, and bottom. Many of these figures are a standard part of the geometry curriculum and being able to recognize them is important.

This is part of a series of video animations of three-dimensional figures. These animations show different views of these figures: top, side, and bottom. Many of these figures are a standard part of the geometry curriculum and being able to recognize them is important.

This is part of a series of video animations of three-dimensional figures. These animations show different views of these figures: top, side, and bottom. Many of these figures are a standard part of the geometry curriculum and being able to recognize them is important.

This is part of a series of video animations of three-dimensional figures. These animations show different views of these figures: top, side, and bottom. Many of these figures are a standard part of the geometry curriculum and being able to recognize them is important.

This is part of a series of video animations of three-dimensional figures. These animations show different views of these figures: top, side, and bottom. Many of these figures are a standard part of the geometry curriculum and being able to recognize them is important.

5/9/11. In this issue we look at tornado season. In particular we study why the swirling winds of a tornado are so damaging.

5/16/11. In this issue we look at the flooding along the Mississippi. In particular we analyze the flooding along Memphis, Tennessee. We develop a model for predicting the amount of flooding.

6/13/11. In this issue we explore the volcanic eruption in Chile that resulted in a huge plume of smoke and ash that was miles high. We explore the viscosity of lava that makes such eruptions possible.

6/27/11. In this issue we look at the technology of hydraulic fracking. In particular, we estimate the amount of drilling required for such wells.

9/19/11. To commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the 911, we look at the geometry and architecture of the Freedom Tower, currently under construction.

11/14/11. In this issue we commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty. We also look at the geometry and architecture of this monument.

11/28/11. In this issue we look at the geometry of parade balloons.

12/7/11. In this issue we look at the heroic work of salvaging and retrofitting many of the ships sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

12/12/11. In this issue we look at the MLK Memorial and the special properties of granite that presented some design challenges in the construction of the statue.

January 2012. In this issue of Math in the News we analyze how the Costa Concordia sank.

April 2012. In this issue of Math in the News we analyze the sinking of the Titanic. It has been a hundred years, yet the story of the sinkin g of the Titanic still fascinates.