Properties of shape - 3D shapes​ - Planning

In the Year 3 summer term, a lesson on the properties of 3D shapes engages children in recognising and describing these shapes through various orientations and characteristics. The lesson utilises a range of resources including physical 3D shapes, PE hoops, worksheets, and a presentation to facilitate learning. Key vocabulary such as faces, edges, vertices, and terms for specific shapes like cube, cuboid, cylinder, cone, sphere, prism, and pyramid are introduced. The lesson begins with a review of 2D shapes and their properties, emphasising the correct use of terminology. For example, students learn that a cylinder has two circular faces and a curved surface, not to be confused with a flat face.

During the practical group work, children are given the opportunity to handle concrete shapes and sort them into categories based on properties like curved surfaces and flat faces. This hands-on activity encourages the development of reasoning skills as they articulate their thought process using the key vocabulary. The lesson progresses to more complex reasoning questions that differentiate between a prism and a pyramid, prompting discussions on their distinct attributes. By the end of the lesson, students are expected to have a better understanding of 3D shapes, recognising them in the classroom environment and describing them with accurate vocabulary. The lesson plan also addresses common misconceptions and outlines learning outcomes across three levels of understanding, from describing simple 3D shapes to solving true/false questions based on their properties.