Max Maths, Year 3, Try it, Identifying shapes in the environment

In a practical activity aimed at Year 3 pupils, the 'shape walk' is an engaging way to explore geometry in the real world. Children are encouraged to venture outdoors and observe the variety of shapes that make up their surroundings. As they stroll, they are tasked with recording the different two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) shapes they encounter. The 2D shapes to look out for include circles, semicircles, squares, rectangles, pentagons, hexagons, and octagons. For 3D shapes, the children should keep an eye out for cubes, pyramids, triangular prisms, spheres, cuboids, cones, and cylinders.

The exercise not only reinforces the pupils' ability to identify common geometric shapes but also enhances their observational skills by relating these shapes to objects found in everyday environments. After the walk, the children are asked to compile a list of any additional shapes they noticed that weren't included in the initial list. They are also given the option to draw some of the shapes or objects they observed. This hands-on activity is an enjoyable and interactive method for students to connect classroom learning with the world around them, fostering a deeper understanding of shapes and their properties.