Where can I find 3-D models for finding volumes in a mathematics class?

Question

I teach at a community college and would like to be able to use actual models of prisms, cones, pyramids, etc... in showing students how the formulas for volumes are derived. I've made my own for years, but they always look pretty ragged. I'd like to purchase models, but I can't seem to find any - HELP! Thanks!

Answer 1

Search volume on two sites below... lots of resources. Used to use ETA a lot when I was teaching Title 1 Math, great stuff!

Answer 2

Oh you mean physical models. Nevermind the below then. I would say though, that I do research on simulations, and in pretty much every study out there comparing simulations to physical models, the students learn more from the simulation.

If you just want the 3D models, you can use a 3D tool like Google Sketchup:
http://sketchup.google.com/
Here are pyramid/cone/etc. models:
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=664ac2cd809e2851709c0f48a82380ed

There are some educational applets on volume you can purchase at:
http://www.explorelearning.com/

or free resources like:
http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/SurfaceAreaAndVolume/?version=1.6.0&browser=Mozilla&vendor=Sun_Microsystems_Inc.

Other similar sites:
http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html
http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/
http://clem.mscd.edu/~talmanl/MathAnim.html
http://mathforum.org/
http://www.ct4me.net/math_manipulatives.htm