After the children have mastered learning about the circle
and the square, the next step is to teach them about the
triangle. Actually, the triangle is a component of the square
because two perfect (equilateral) triangles make up a square;
two random triangles -- a rectangle.
The triangle is a fascinating classical mathematical
equation. Each one has three sides. We have triangles with
two equal sides and those without equal sides. The most
famous examples in our circles are the clown's hat and the
hamentaschen for Purim and the pyramids of Egypt which
give the background setting for the hard labor of the Jews in
the Egyptian exile.
PYRAMID DIORAMA
From basic three-sided triangles, we can create a remembrance
of Pesach. Imagine this: A centerpiece for the Seder table of
a pyriamid with an opening that reveals a diorama of
yetziyas Mitzrayim.
The pyramid has three sides plus a base. One of the sides is
not closed and opens like the top of a box. In our case, the
top will open down the side and this will be the tongue that
extends out on the table. This can be a gate that opens.
Inside the opening we see a diorama of the Reed Sea, the
split waters, the dry path and Am Yisroel miraculously
walking out of slavery into a foreign land to serve Hashem
through the Torah. There are many ways to present this
diorama and a choice of moments in the departure from Egypt
to display.
An easy way is to paint the inside of the triangle to
resemble a scene in the desert, with the pyramids in the far
off background. On the surface of the table -- the open side
or tongue -- simulate waves split in half and a dry path. Or
construct a facsimile of Pharaoh's army splashing up and down
in the water. Use cut out pictures of yetziyas
Mitzrayim, mount on cardboard with a stand and set up.
Use small plastic toy figures of animals to give life to the
setting.
PYRAMID PLACE CARD
A closed pyramid stationed in front of each place setting,
perhaps with a small plastic frog or wild animal, will serve
as a point of interest for the family and guests. Write each
one's name on the individual pyramid place settings. Each
child can make their own pyramids during a special session,
with a big sister in charge. The afternoon activity can fill
in some of the free time the children have before the Seder
night. Each pyramid will reflect the style, personality and
level of ability of the child.
PYRAMID BOX
Make a pyramid box with a top that opens. Place inside toys
or other ideas that remind us of the Ten Plagues. Or put
other surprises inside, such as a desk weight hourglass with
blue water for the children.
MATERIALS NEEDED FOR EACH PYRAMID:
12 craft or ice cream sticks 1 x 11 cm., uncolored
one 4A sheet of paper
white plastic glue and applicator (stick, paint brush, hard
card)
paints and/or magic markers
plastic wild animals or other toys that fit the theme
Great Options to Color/Cover the Pyramids
Use pieces of cardboard cut into brick size pieces
or
Use pieces of torn/cut tissue paper in the color and shape of
the stones or bricks
DIRECTIONS:
* Arrange on top left of paper three craft sticks to form an
equal triangle
* Continue with the three remaining triangles. Four triangles
fit on one sheet of 4A paper
* Glue all the sticks in place. Let dry
* Cut the paper into four equal squares using the base
(bottom) line of the triangle as the basis for the square.
This will leave triangles of white paper on each side of
every triangle. DO NOT CUT THESE OFF. The paper triangles
will serve as glue seams
* Cover/color the white paper on both sides of each
triangle
Method One:
Cover with stone/brick colors of tissue paper cut into
squares and rectangles.
Apply tissue paper with lots of white plastic glue. Remember
that the glue dries clear. Put on lots of layers for a
butterfly-like transparency.
Method Two:
Glue on coardboard cutouts of stones/bricks. Color stones and
background before gluing into place.
Method Three:
Paint or color with acrylic paint, markers or oil pastels or
other medium to resemble pyramids in the desert. Do practice
sketches to get the picture clear first before you begin.
* Glue sections together. We are attaching four sections to
make a triangular box. This is similar to gluing six pieces
of cardboard to make a cube or square box.
* Attach craft stick triangle A to B and B to C by gluing one
white seam from each triangle to the next triangle. Repeat
for the first three triangles. You will now have a box
triangle without a bottom.
* After the two seams are attached, glue down ONE side of
each seam to the back surface of the triangle.
* Attach and reinforce with a strip of white paper the
triangle D (the fourth side) from the bottom. Since it will
hinge on the bottom, you will want to cut off the two white
triangle glue seams at the sides. When dried, this `door'
will open flat onto the table and act as a stage for your
diorama. Or use as a top for the triangle box. There will be
a small hole at the top of each pyramid.
The same triangle box can be redone for attractive Purim
Mishloach Monos containers. People are reminded of the
hamentaschen shape when they look at this triangular
box. Either way you look at it, it's a unique and lovely gift
box. Use the bright colors of hand-torn tissue paper covering
only one side. Glue three sides together and the fourth for
the lid that opens.
Making triangles any time with craft sticks and tissue paper
glued onto a sheet of paper is a wonderful way to teach
children about important and classical mathematical
equations. It is also fun and interesting.
The tissue paper is very versatile and allows itself to be
used in many methods including crumbling, gluing, painting
and collage. If you are busy now with no time for pyramids,
save the project for a non-pressured time of simple triangles
and tissue paper activities.
Enjoy watching the craft sticks transform into triangles and
the tissue paper melt into transparent layers over the
paper.
