Discovering Solids: Volumes of Pyramids, Cones, and Spheres

Uses a combination of animation and live-action photography to logically develop the formulas for determining the volume of pyramids, cones, and spheres. After reviewing the formulas for the volumes of prisms and cylinders, the volume of a pyramid with a rectangular base is determined. This is then related to pyramids with non-rectangular bases and cones, the volume of the latter being compared to a cylinder. Defines a sphere and portrays a method of determining its volume. Concludes with commercial and industrial applications of these formulas.