Space Awareness
What is a Constellation
Why do some stars in a constellation appear brighter than others? Using a get-up-and-move astronomy activity, scholars explore perspective and the appearance of constellations in the sky while developing an understanding of the...
Curated OER
Cylinder: Student Worksheet
Pairs of geometry whizzes work together to determine which of three differently shaped cylinders will have the greatest volume. Pupils cut out the three rectangles embedded in the plan, and tape them together to form a cylinder. From...
Curated OER
Applied Science - Science and Math Lab
Create three dimensional objects in an applied science instructional activity. The goal is for your class to recognize, compare, and model shapes. Using cookie cutters and clay or play dough, they create models for three-dimensional shapes.
Curated OER
Sculpture in Balance
Students discuss the difference betwen two-dimensional vs. three-dimensional art. In this art lesson, students discuss what symmetry or balance is in art and construct a symmetrical and an asymmetrical mobile.
American Institute of Physics
African American Inventors in History
A two-part lesson introduces young historians to the work of famous African American inventors. Groups first research and develop a presentation of an inventor that includes biographical information and information about one of their...
Centre for Innovation in Mamatics Teaching
Area, Perimeter and Volume
Develop young mathematicians' knowledge of two- and three-dimensional shapes with this geometry workbook. From learning about the classifications of different shapes and figures to calculating their area, perimeter, and volume, this...
Curated OER
Topographic Mapping
Students create a three dimensional model of a two dimensional topographic map. They explore how the two dimensional significance of a topographical map is helpful to create a three dimensional model. Students use other topograhical...
Discovery Education
Exploring Geometry
Middle schoolers construct a three-dimensional model of a city using both similar and congruent figures and geometric transformations. City must have at least ten buildings with each building labeled and may be constructed out of paper...
Curated OER
Math: Designing a Playground
Sixth graders design and draw a model playground to scale. They configure the layout to include a sandbox, slide, baseball field and other equipment. Their design includes adaptations for students with disabilities. Their designs are...
Curated OER
Save an Endangered Species
Have your young learners work in pairs to find and research an endangered species. They use research to develop ideas about saving their animal from extinction. Pairs develop a three-dimensional model of the animal's habitat. Then, they...
Texas State Energy Conservation Office
Investigation: Chemical Models
Science teams make models of four different hydrocarbon compounds that we commonly use for fuel. Then they demonstrate chemical reactions that result when energy is produced. This can be used as an enrichment when your class is studying...
Curated OER
Two-Dimensional Drawings from Three Dimensional Objects
Sixth graders identify and replicate two dimensional illustrations of three dimensional objects. In this spatial visualization lesson, 6th graders practice viewing objects from various sides. Student participate in stations to view...
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Shapes Around Us
Learners use manipulatives to study shapes. They sort shapes and use correct geometric terminology to describe them. Students find real-life examples of 2 and 3 dimensional shapes, and classify figures in their classroom according to...
Curated OER
Mapping World Explorers
Students research early explorers from selected nations, routes, or time periods. After finding maps of exploration routes over water and land, they create a time line. Presentations are created in the form of three-dimensional models...
Curated OER
Comparing Topographical Maps to 3-Dimensional Models
High schoolers apply knowledge of topographical maps and how computer programs are used to make 3-D models of areas that humans have never visited. They view a Mars Canyon movie, then map the canyon.
Curated OER
Geometry in A Box
Students identify 3-dimensional geometric shapes and list the characteristics of each. Using modeling clay, they create their own models of specified geometric shapes. Students create and design a box to store their geometric models.
Curated OER
Mapping the Aegean Seafloor
Earth science learners create a two-dimensional topographic map of the floor of the Aegean Sea. They use it to then create a three-dimensional model of the ocean floor features. This comprehensive resource delivers strong background...
American Chemical Society
The Periodic Table and Energy-Level Models
Teach your class to think of electrons as tiny packets of energy that travel in waves. Through a short video and diagram, participants see how electrons are located around the nucleus of an atom. They then get into groups and try to...
Mathematics Vision Project
Module 7: Modeling with Geometry
Model good modeling practices. Young mathematicians first learn about cross sections and solids of revolution. They then turn their attention to special right triangles and to the Laws of Sine and Cosine.
Radford University
Lemonade Business - Investigating Surface Area and Volume of Containers
Boost lemonade sales by using the perfect container. For a given volume, future entrepreneurs design a container that will have the least surface area and by extension, the least cost of material. They create a two-dimensional net of...
Curated OER
Halves and Fourths
Young mathematicians may not love fractions, but do they love sandwiches? How about cake? Use this visual fractions activity to represent fractions in a relatable way. Scholars start by coloring segmented shapes to indicate halves and...
Curated OER
3-D Figures Part 1
Elementary schoolers explore 3-D shapes. They transition from thinking of shapes as only 2-D. Pupils read Cinderella as a launching activity for their upcoming adventure, and explore a new world of 3-D shapes in this introductory lesson.
Curated OER
Three Dimensional Geology
Here is a fine lesson plan on geology designed for high schoolers. Learners use rocks, fossils, and other geological clues to determine the geology of an area. Then, they make recommendations to a fictitious city council about the...
Illustrative Mathematics
Toilet Roll
Potty humor is always a big hit with the school-age crowd, and potty algebra takes this topic to a whole new level. Here the class develops a model that connects the dimensions (radii, paper thickness, and length of paper) of a common...