Curated OER
Spacemobiles
Aspiring astronauts construct a space vehicle using cylinders, cones, spheres, and rectangular prisms. This is an engaging method of learning about three-dimensional shapes. Note that the word cylinder is constantly misspelled in the...
Curated OER
Tetrahedron Kites
Let's go fly a kite! Discuss the concept of two-dimensional and three-dimensional objects with your math class. They examine a triangle and discuss the face, vertices, edges, and angles. Then they build their own Tetrahedral Kites and...
Curated OER
Marshmallow Geometry
In this three-dimensional shapes geometry instructional activity, learners identify geometric solids and name their properties. They define "face," "edge," and "vertex," and construct geometric solids using marshmallows as vertices and...
Curated OER
Pyramids and Prisms: Guler's Formula
Sixth graders detect and categorize the attributes of geometric shapes to solve problems. In this geometry instructional activity, 6th graders construct a variety of polyhedra. Students recognize the relationships between two...
Curated OER
The Luxor Hotel Contract
High schoolers determine the surface area of the Luxor Hotel, using the square feet of the base, volume, and the volume formula. They create a scale model of the triangular/pyramid shaped hotel.
Curated OER
Present Hunt
Students identify and match pictures of three dimensional shapes while playing a board game with peers. They take turns with their partners in spinning the spinner and moving to the next space on the game board that shows the same shape.
Curated OER
Circles to Spheres
Students investigate circles and spheres. In this space shapes lesson, students compare and contrast two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes. Students investigate the relationship between plane and space shapes.
Curated OER
Three Dimensional Boxes
Students investigate the geometric shape of a box. They apply different construction methods and materials to create a three dimensional box. The uses of a box are covered and the measurements taken to consider its uses. Students...
Curated OER
Making Twisteez Masks
Young artists build a three-dimensional form with Twisteez Wire on a stationary screen base. They can paint the base if they wish. The results of this art project are spectacular, but be warned that the materials needed are not easy to...
Exploratorium
Exploring a Complex Space-Filling Shape
Middle schoolers build a three-dimensional 12-pointed star as a geometric exercise. The shape is quite-difficult to construct. Luckily there is an excellent template that learners cut out, then use to make their pyramid. The second part...
Curated OER
Geometry Vases: Ceramics Lesson
Geometric shapes are used in math and in art. Learners discuss the various names, dimensions, and attributes of geometric shapes, then apply that knowledge to design a vase. They use 3-D shapes to make a cubist-style vase out of clay.
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Build What I've Created
n this geometric lesson, young scholars define and identify two dimensional shapes based on their attributes. They complete worksheets based on the geometric concepts.
Curated OER
Using Geometric Shapes in Architecture
Third graders identify two and three dimensional shapes used in architectural designs by viewing images on the Internet. In this geometry lesson, 3rd graders create their own building designs and identify the geometric shapes that will...
Curated OER
Figuratively Speaking
Third graders construct and use vocabulary flipbooks to draw and describe three-dimensional figures. They utilize worksheets and access websites imbedded in this plan which help them construct their books.
Curated OER
Sheep in the Field
Second graders create a three-dimensional picture of a sheep after observing a variety of templates of sheep. They then verbally identify the texture and color of the sheep. Students also read a book about sheep such as, "Sheep in a...
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.
National Security Agency
Classifying Triangles
Building on young mathematicians' prior knowledge of three-sided shapes, this instructional activity series explores the defining characteristics of different types of triangles. Starting with a shared reading of the children's book The...
Curated OER
Bugs Take Shape
Students investigate butterflies, moths, ladybugs and spiders looking at shapes, colors and patterns. They create a three dimensional bug using Crayola Model Magic, repeating patterns found in nature. They cut and shape the dough using...
Curated OER
Geo Jammin' - Day 2, Lesson 4: Sing a Song of Shapes
Students learn five songs to define and develop understanding of the attributes of two- and three-dimensional figures and the meaning of mathematical terms. They classify objects as either two- or three-dimensional, through the use of...
Curated OER
Compare 2-D Shapes
Second graders examine the attributes of two-dimensional shapes. In this geometry lesson, 2nd graders play a game in order to identify two-dimensional shapes and to name them.
Curated OER
Calculating Distances in Two and Three Dimensions
Students use the Pythagorean Theorem to solve problems. In this geometry lesson, students solve for the distances by calculating the different parts of the shape of a two and three dimensional shape. They reason by analogy.
Curated OER
Space and Shape in Geometry:
Students are asked to visualize three-dimensional figures and apply this visualization to problem solving.
Curated OER
Shapes Galore!
First graders explore two-dimensional shapes. Individually, children follow directions to draw shapes. Learners use shaving cream, geoboards, yarn, marshmallows, and toothpicks to create shapes. As a class, 1st graders brainstorm...
Curated OER
Give It a Whirl
Students examine and identify polyhedron shapes on a math website. They write journal reflections about two- and three-dimensional shapes, and transform a square into a pinwheel.