Properties of shape - Recognise 2D and 3D shapes - Presentation

In a comprehensive presentation on recognising 2D and 3D shapes, students are introduced to the fundamental differences between two-dimensional and three-dimensional figures. The lesson prompts an initial discussion on the distinct characteristics separating 2D shapes, which are flat and include squares, triangles, rectangles, and circles, from 3D shapes that have depth, such as cubes, cones, and cylinders. Students engage in a matching activity where they associate names of shapes with corresponding pictures, reinforcing their ability to identify and differentiate between various geometric forms.

Further activities encourage tactile learning, where students are asked to feel shapes in a 'feely bag' and identify them based on their edges and faces. This sensory approach helps to deepen their understanding of shape properties. A practical 'shape hunt' around the school serves to contextualise shapes in the real world, with students tallying the frequency of shapes like pentagons, octagons, and hexagons they encounter. The lesson also includes reasoning exercises where students determine the odd one out among a group of shapes and justify their choices, fostering critical thinking and articulation of geometric concepts. Independent work tasks and group discussions round off the session, allowing students to apply their knowledge and explore shapes through different perspectives and activities.