Stage 2 - space and geometry – 3D
Strategy
Students can:
- identify and label the objects in the environment with the correct mathematical names
- discuss the features of common objects – the shape of the faces, the number of corners, edges and faces
Activities to support the strategy
Activity 1
Provide students with a variety of common 3D objects, including cones, cubes, cylinders, spheres and prisms, to observe and manipulate. Students look at the objects from different views.
- The teacher models the pronunciation of the name of each object while showing flashcards of the names.
- The teacher and students match the name cards to the objects which are displayed.
- Discuss with students the features of common 3D objects. Make a chart of the features for each object.
Have students collect a variety of 3D objects from around the house. Sort them into groups with the same shape. Students record in words or pictures the groups they have made and report back to the class.
| 3D Objects | objects from around the house |
|---|---|
| cones | name of object |
| prisms | name of object |
| spheres | name of object |
| cubes | name of object |
| cylinders | name of object |
Activity 2
Provide students with sponges or foam for making a variety of 3D objects.
- Students use paint to print the different faces of the sponge.
- When dry, students cut out the 2D faces and use tape to reassemble the faces as a 3D object.
Activity 3
Students collect a variety of boxes, such as shoe boxes, cereal boxes and match boxes.
- Select a box to display on each student's desk.
- Have students use a coloured text marker to draw the edges of the box that they can see from their seat.
- Select a different coloured text marker to draw the edges they cannot see.
Activity 4
Using the collection of objects from Activity 1, students count the number of faces, edges and corners on each object.
- Arrange the objects so all students can see them and play a game of 'What am I?'
- The teacher prepares a set of cards. Each card has a description of a 3D object. The students have to match the description on the card to a 3D object.
References
Australian curriculum
ACMMG063: Make models of three-dimensional objects and describe key features
NSW syllabus
MA2-14MG: Makes, compares, sketches and names three-dimensional objects, including prisms, pyramids, cylinders, cones and spheres, and describes their features.
Teacher resources
Stage 1 unit: 3D and 2D Faces of objects from Teaching Space and Geometry K-6 CD, NSW Department of Education and Training, 2008
Student resources
Numeracy app
Think 3D Free: Explore and interact with 3D shapes
