KS2 - Maths – Geometry - Sticking A Square

Learning Objectives

Pupils should be taught to:

- identify and describe the properties of 2-D shapes, including the number of sides and line symmetry in a vertical line

- identify and describe the properties of 3-D shapes, including the number of edges, vertices and faces

- identify 2-D shapes on the surface of 3-D shapes,

Resources

Sticks and poles in various lengths from approx. 10 cm to 1 metre, all no more then 5cm diameters, small stones or pebbles, masking tape, string, scissors.

Introduction

Provide each table of pupils a selection of craft matchsticks and some paper, and ask them to create a triangle, a square, a rectangle on the paper. Explain these are 2 d shapes, and ask them to try to create a cube. How could they hold the shapes together?

Ready, Steady, Race!

Divide the class in to groups of four or five. Gather together on the play ground, and discuss how to use the sticks safely. Using the sticks, and in the groups, ask the children to make triangles, squares and rectangles, and model hexagons and pentagons with the smaller sticks inside a larger frame Challenge the children to use the sticks to make a giant picture with the most shapes possible. Visit each groups shape pictures together, and use the opportunity to count the shapes, the sides, pointing out corners and naming the shapes.

Extension Activity

Offer the children the tape and string, and allow then to experiment with the sticks, can they make a 3d structure? This could be a cube, a pyramid or even a den!