Illustrative Mathematics
3-D Shape Sort
From the apple on your desk and the coffee cup in your hand, to the cabinets along the classroom wall, basic three-dimensional shapes are found everywhere in the world around us. Introduce young mathematicians to the these common figures...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Representing 3-D Objects in 2-D
How does the shape of the surface of water in a container change as water leaks out? After tackling this question, learners take part in a similar activity with more complex figures.
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
3-D Cubes
Students investigate cubes. For this geometric solids lesson, students review geometric concepts previously taught, then logon to a computer game in which they find cube figures and identify the shadow of hidden cubes.
Curated OER
2-D and 3-D Presents at Pedro's Party
Fifth graders draw 2-D and 3-D shapes. They sketch and label geometric figures with correct terminology, then explore parallel and perpendicular lines. Pupils sort and classify shapes drawn.
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
3-D Attributes
Students explore geometric solids. In this geometry lesson, students listen to the book The Greedy Triangle by Marilyn Burns, then work in groups to sort geometric solids into various categories. Students define geometric solids...
Fayetteville Public Schools
I've Seen That Shape Before
The objectives in the resource allow young scholars to explore the characteristics of simple solid shapes. Youngsters learn to recognize the face shapes, corners, and edges that make up 3-D figures by filling in a chart....
Utah Education Network (UEN)
Insides and Outsides
Give small groups handfuls of unit cubes and then dare them to build as many rectangular prisms as possible using only 12 cubes. This engaging activity serves as an introduction to the volume of solid figures. In addition to volume,...
Curated OER
Children's Museum of Houston - Pre/Post Classroom Activities - Nets
Students make three dimensional shapes with nets. For this nets lesson, students receive nets which they fold to make a three dimensional object. They predict what shape each net will make and verify it after making the net. They use the...
Civil War Trust
Civil War Photography: Photography as a Primary Source
Can we learn a thing or two about history by looking at pictures from the past? As young historians view 2-D and 3-D primary source photographs, they respond to a series of worksheets that guides them toward unveiling clues...
Curated OER
Geometry and Measurement
Young geometers explore relationships between units of measure and objects. Three activities provide varied opportunities to practice. Learners calculate the volume of two cylinders made by rolling a piece of paper vertically and...
Curated OER
It's a 3-D World Out There!
Students construct polygons. They identify attributes of three-dimensional shapes. Students name common three-dimensional shapes. They draw three-dimensional shapes, and sort three-dimensional shapes. Students use K'NEX materials sets to...
Curated OER
3-D Figures Part 2
Students work with three dimensional objects. In this geometry lesson, students examine models of spheres, cones, cubes, prisms, and pyramids, and identify them by their edges, vertices, and faces.
Curated OER
Living in a Geometrical World
Students participate in a series of hand-on, online, and multimedia activities to examine 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional shapes. They describe common geometric solids. They construct rectangular prisms using straws and ribbon.
Curated OER
Three Gorges Dam: Will China Sink or Swim?
Seventh graders study the Three Gorges Dam, which is the largest dam built in the world. They examine how the dam impacts China as it prepares for the 21st century.
Curated OER
Can You Name That Shape?
Learners use materials to build, investigate, and draw two-dimensional shapes (polygons). They combine the shapes they have built and draw from the pile to begin a round-robin activity to name and determine the attributes of a selection...
Curated OER
Getting into Shape
Students identify 3-D geometric shapes through different pieces of artwork. They examine and identify segments and angles. Students act out shapes and create a piece of artwork. Additional cross curriculum activities are listed.
Curated OER
Net "Working"
Upper elementary and middle schoolers explore the properties of various polygons. They use video, resource links, and engage in hands-on activities in order to construct geometric nets. This fine plan should lead to increased...
Curated OER
Tomato Exploration
Create tomatoes in 15-20 minutes using this fun and interactive lesson plan! Learners listen to a book about tomatoes (recommendations listed), and focus on the vocabulary word tomato. They count the syllables...
Curated OER
Great Shapes Alive!
Compare two- and three-dimensional shapes and construct three dimensional models from two-dimensional shapes. Diagram the shapes and reflect about the process in writing.
Curated OER
Castles On The Ground (2D & 3D Shapes)
Explore the relationship between 2D and 3D shapes by having your class view representation of shapes and investigate their symmetry. They will create a solid object from diagrams and describe the reflection or rotational symmetry. In the...
Teach Engineering
Let's Learn About Spatial Viz!
Can you see your class working on spatial visualization? The first installment of a five-part module introduces the concept of spatial visualization and provides a 12-question diagnostic assessment to test spatial visualization skills....
Curated OER
Guess My Shape
Learners play a game with shapes. They work in groups to identify the names and characteristics of various shapes. They give each other clues to see if others can identify the shape being described. This is a great hands on activity.