JPII calculus students are taking their learning to the next dimension—literally! Recently, students dove into the fascinating world of solids of revolution, a key concept in calculus that involves rotating a two-dimensional shape around an axis to create a three-dimensional object.

“In our calculus class, students have been exploring a fascinating concept called solids of revolution,” shared JPII math teacher, Tracy Sklarin. “This involves visualizing how a flat shape can be transformed into a three-dimensional object by rotating it around an axis.”

To make this abstract idea more tangible (and more fun!), students created and held models of objects that, when rotated, resemble real-world forms—like birthday cakes, Santa hats, and circular disks. These hands-on visuals help students see the power of math in action, bridging the gap between geometric intuition and analytical thinking. 

Why It Matters

Understanding solids of revolution is more than just a box to check in a calculus syllabus. It teaches students how to:

• Visualize 3D objects from 2D figures
• Apply integral calculus to find volumes of complex shapes
• Connect abstract math to real-world applications, such as engineering, architecture, product design, and physics

“It's a fundamental concept in calculus,” Mrs. Sklarin explained, “allowing us to calculate the volume of complex shapes using integration.”

This type of mathematical modeling is used in everything from medical imaging and aerodynamics to robotics and manufacturing design. Whether students go on to become engineers, architects, or data analysts, these skills will serve them well in college and beyond.

Adding Fun to the Formula

At JPII, we believe that joy and curiosity are essential parts of learning. By incorporating visuals, real-life examples, and creativity, Mrs. Sklarin’s lesson shows that calculus is not just about numbers—it is about discovery. “We’re excited to see our students continue to explore the world of calculus and discover the beauty of mathematical concepts!” she said. And with lessons like these, it is clear that math can be just as beautiful as it is brilliant.