Title of Book: Sir Cumference and the Sword in the Cone
Author: Cindy Neuschwander & Wayne Geehan (Illust.)
Publisher (Date): Charlesbridge (2003)
ISBN: 9781570916007
Grade Levels for Recommended Use: 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
TEKS:
(1) Mathematical process standards. The student uses mathematical processes to acquire
and demonstrate mathematical understanding.
(B) Use a problem-solving model that incorporates analyzing given information,
formulating a plan or strategy, determining a solution, justifying the solution, and
evaluating the problem-solving process and the reasonableness of the solution.
(C) Select tools, including real objects, manipulatives, paper and pencil, and
technology as appropriate, and techniques, including mental math, estimation, and
number sense as appropriate, to solve problems.
(D) Communicate mathematical ideas, reasoning, and their implications using
multiple representations, including symbols, diagrams, graphs, and language as
appropriate.
(7) Geometry and spatial reasoning. The student uses attributes to identify two- and threedimensional geometric figures. The student compares and contrasts two- and threedimensional geometric figures or both.
(A) Describe attributes (the number of vertices, faces, edges, sides) of two- and threedimensional geometric figures such as circles, polygons, spheres, cones, cylinders,
prisms, and pyramids.
Brief Summary:
King Arthur has issued a challenge. The first knight to find the sword, Edgecalibur, will
be the next king. Young knights Radius & Vertex are on a hunt to find the sword, which
has been hidden in a geometric solid somewhere on the castle grounds. They attempt to
decipher a riddle the King has scribed on parchment. Will they unravel the riddle of
Edgecalibur and inherit the throne?
Materials needed:
Book:
Sir Cumference &
The Sword in the
Cone
Geometric Net
Handout (Printable)
Euler’s Formula
Chart
(On The Board)
3D Geometric
Shape Handout
(Printable)
Math Journals
Scissors
Pencil
Clear Tape
Suggested Activity:
1. Read Aloud
 Read up to page 9
2. Geometric Nets
 Pass out the Geometric Net Handout.
 Distribute one (or two) shape nets per table/group
–
(Use Cube, Pyramid, Rectangular Prism, Triangular Prism, Cone &
Cylinder).
 Have students cut out geometric shapes and assemble.
 Review faces, edges, and vertices vocabulary.
3. Read Aloud
 Read pages 10, 11, 12
4. Euler’s Law
 Have the Euler’s Law Chart posted on the board for students to come up and fill
out.
–
Alternately have it posted on the SmartBoard and have students fill it in
digitally.
 Have students count the faces, edges and vertices of their assigned shape.
–
One person from each group should come and fill out their portion of
the Euler Chart
 Review the numbers presented in the book (page 12)
–
What do you notice about the shapes?
–
Do all the shapes follow Euler’s Law?
–
What shapes are Vertex and Radius looking for?
5. Read Aloud
 Read pages 13, 19 - 25
6. Cone Conundrum
 Have students calculate the heights of each of the four-presented cones if they
followed Euler’s Law (3 x diameter). Compare results with the length of the
shovel (48 inches).
-
Have students guess which cone holds Edgecalibur.
–
3 x 24 = 72; 3 x 36 = 108; 3 x 21 = 63; 3 x 17 = 51.
References/Websites:
Neuschwander, C. (2003). Sir cumference and the sword in the cone: a math adventure.
Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge.
Printable Geometric Shape Nets
Nyla’s Crafty Teaching Printable Geometric Shape Nets
Retrieved December 1, 2013, from http://mscraftynyla.blogspot.com/2012/01/free3d-shape-nets.html
TAMUCC Mathematics Through Literature Project
Esquivel, C.L. (2006). Mathematics Through Literature Project
Retrieved December 1, 2013, from http://sci.tamucc.edu/~mathweb/docs/2011/08/
Chavera-Leonor-Esquivel-April-2006-Project.pdf
Charlesbridge Literature Activities: Sir Cumference & The Sword in the Cone
Charlesbridge Activities for Sir Cumference and the Sword in the Cone
Retrieved December 1, 2013, from http://www.charlesbridge.com/client/client_pdfs
/downloadables/SirCandtheSwordintheCone.pdf
Adapted by:
(Alexandra Robinson, 2013)