2-D Shapes

Strand: Shape and Space (3-D Objects and 2-D Shapes)
Outcomes: 6, 8

Curriculum Focus

This sample targets the following changes to the curriculum:

For Grade 2 the former general outcome stated: "Name, describe and construct a variety of 3-D objects and 2-D shapes" (Alberta Learning 1997, p. 35). The shift in focus is apparent from the absence of "naming" and the addition of "analyze the relationships" and "characteristics." This change is to ensure that students are not just rote learning to name and describe 2-D shapes and 3-D objects. Now the focus is on a study of the attributes that students can use to compare the various shapes and objects.
The specific outcomes have changed significantly. In the previous curriculum, Grade 2 specific outcomes focused on 3-D objects. The current curriculum has maintained the study of those objects, but with the shift to comparing and constructing from naming and identifying; however, it also includes the 2-D shapes that were previously a Grade 1 outcome. Again the change is in what should be learned about these shapes. No longer is the outcome to "identify, name and describe." Now the outcome is to describe, compare and construct these basic 2-D shapes.

2-D Shapes addresses the following outcomes from the Program of Studies:

Strand:

Shape and Space (3-D Objects and 2-D Shapes)

Specific Outcomes:

6.	Sort 2-D and 3-D objects, using two attributes, and explain the sorting rule.
8.	Describe, compare and construct 2-D shapes, including: triangles squares rectangles circles.

What is a Planning Guide?

Planning Guides are a tool for teachers to use in designing instruction and assessment that focuses on developing and deepening students' understanding of mathematical concepts. This tool is based on the process outlined in Understanding by Design, by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe.

The following steps will help you through the Planning Guide:

See Bibliography for reference information.