3-D Objects/2-D Shapes

Strand: Shape and Space (3-D Objects and 2-D Shapes)
Outcomes: 2, 3, 4

Step 5: Follow-up on Assessment

Guiding Questions

What conclusions can be made from assessment information?
How effective have instructional approaches been?
What are the next steps in instruction?

A. Addressing Gaps in Learning

If students are having difficulty recognizing 3-D objects, go back to an exploration of 2-D shapes with them. Have students work on recognizing how 3-D objects are linked to 2-D shapes as they explore the faces of 3-D shapes. Use as many hands-on manipulatives as possible to allow students to explore the full dimensions of the 3-D shapes. Ensure that you are using mathematical language when you describe 2-D shapes and 3-D objects to prevent misconceptions.

B. Reinforcing and Extending Learning

Students who have achieved or exceeded the outcomes will benefit from ongoing opportunities to apply and extend their learning.

Consider strategies, such as the following.

Challenge students to explore which of the regular polygons (2-D shape with all sides equal and all angles equal) can be used to tessellate a surface. Have them use pattern blocks to try to cover a surface equal to the size of one page of paper with a tiling pattern. When the polygon covers the surface without any gaps, we are able to tile the surface and we call this a tessellation. To further this investigation, have students try to cover the surface with two different pattern blocks.
Pre-cut quilt pieces, enough for each student to create one square of a quilt, can be cut from construction paper. Using a variety of quilting patterns ensures a beautiful final product. A parent helper may be available to help cut pieces. Make sure each student has a variety of colours in his or her square. Assemble all the squares together in a large quilt taped to the wall or board. This project could also be done with real material and sewed together.
Construct a sculpture, using 3-D objects. Have students gather cereal boxes, tissue boxes, paper towel rolls, plastic foam cups, cones, etc. and create a large object. Depending on the theme you are working on, have students create robots, castles, aliens, machines, etc. and then paint the objects. The designs are limitless!