Teachers Network
A World of Symmetry: Math-Geometry
Define and identify the three basic forms of symmetry translation, rotation, and glides with your class. They cut out and arrange paper pattern blocks to illustrate symmetry, create a Cartesian graph, and design a rug with a symmetrical...
Curated OER
Shapes
Fifth graders explore shapes. They recognize and name two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes. Pupils discuss the properties and criteria for each shape they find in real life and construct a Kid Pix project using pictures of the...
Curated OER
Can You Name That Shape?
Learners use materials to build, investigate, and draw two-dimensional shapes (polygons). They combine the shapes they have built and draw from the pile to begin a round-robin activity to name and determine the attributes of a selection...
Curated OER
Net "Working"
Upper elementary and middle schoolers explore the properties of various polygons. They use video, resource links, and engage in hands-on activities in order to construct geometric nets. This fine plan should lead to increased...
Exploratorium
Building Three-Dimensional Structures
Are you looking for a good 3-D geometry lesson that includes hands-on activities for your middle schoolers? Look no further than this one! Pupils use centimeter grid paper embedded in the plan, along with detailed construction...
Curated OER
Applied Science - Science and Math Lab
Create three dimensional objects in an applied science lesson plan. The goal is for your class to recognize, compare, and model shapes. Using cookie cutters and clay or play dough, they create models for three-dimensional shapes.
Curated OER
Building Big and Strong
Middle and high schoolers explore the concepts of architectural rigidity. They analyze a variety of polygons, and explain why some shapes add more strength to structures than others. The PBS video, "Building Big," is utilized in this plan.
Curated OER
2-D and 3-D Presents at Pedro's Party
Fifth graders draw 2-D and 3-D shapes. They sketch and label geometric figures with correct terminology, then explore parallel and perpendicular lines. Pupils sort and classify shapes drawn.
Curated OER
Shape Hunt
Young scholars explore two-dimensional and solid shapes. In this shapes and patterns geometry lesson, students work with a partner to create identifiable objects using tangrams. Young scholars describe the attributes of their shape and...
Curated OER
Basic Shapes
Students create books about shapes. In this shape lesson, students select a topic such as points, lines, angles, planes, polygons, quadrilaterals, triangles, circles, and polyhedra. In groups, they create an illustrated...
Curated OER
"Polly"gon Pockets
Explore polygons with your elementary learners. Divide the class in 12 to configure the polygon puzzle before them. They list the attributes of each type of polygon they see, and if there's time, they jump on the interactive website...
Curated OER
The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Teaching Shapes
Students identify two- and three-dimensional figures and associate them with real-world objects. In this geometry lesson, students are read The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle and complete several activities including a chart...
Curated OER
Lao Design: Lotus Flower Constructions
Students create lotus flowers in 3-D designs applying Lao art techniques. Following a teacher demonstration, they assemble their own lotus flower candleholders and the teacher arranges a group flotation in a body of water. Students...
Curated OER
What Shapes Can You See?
Students investigate shapes in art. In this visual arts lesson, students examine the ancient Panamanian "Plaque" and identify the geometric shapes in the art piece. Students combine basic shapes to make an artistic picture of their own.
Curated OER
A Shapely Activity
Fifth graders explore polygons in various shape activities. In this polygons instructional activity, 5th graders discuss and identify polygons by their number of sides. Students sort ceramic tiles by the number of sides on each piece....
Curated OER
Terrific Tangrams
Third graders construct tangrams. In this tangrams lesson, 3rd graders manipulate basic shapes to construct tangrams. Students explore how shapes can be combined in different ways and develop spatial sense.
American Institute of Architects
Architecture: It's Elementary!—First Grade
Build an interest and appreciation for architecture in your young learners with this fun 10-lesson art unit. Engaging children in using their five senses, the class first observes the environment around them, paying...
Curated OER
Our Geometic World
Young scholars walk around the neighborhood and identify various polygons and lines in buildings, nature and other objects. They design a building using various geometric patterns, shapes and lines. Students complete a descriptive...
Curated OER
Spacemobiles
Aspiring astronauts construct a space vehicle using cylinders, cones, spheres, and rectangular prisms. This is an engaging method of learning about three-dimensional shapes. Note that the word cylinder is constantly misspelled in the...
Curated OER
Investigating Shapes in Our World
First graders explore shapes. In this geometry lesson, 1st graders make shapes with geo-boards, use play-dough to make three-dimensional figures, and make a shape book using pre-cut shapes.
Curated OER
Flat Shapes in Three Dimensions
Young scholars examine the 20th-century sculpture "Gandydancer's Dream" by Mark di Suvero. In this visual arts lesson, students examine the sculpture and then use flat shapes and wire to create their own sculpture. The young...
Curated OER
Tiling the Classroom
Students see how to identify regular polygons, how to slide, turn and flip polygons, and why certain polygons tessellate better than others. Groups create a one foot square design to be used to tile the classroom. Great instructional...
Curated OER
3-D Texture Painting (Impasto)
A neat art project is on the horizon. Your class can experience impasto, or textured painting with this expressive art lesson. They design and then paint using the impasto technique. This is done by mixing toilet paper into the paint....
Curated OER
Tomato Exploration
Create tomatoes in 15-20 minutes using this fun and interactive lesson plan! Learners listen to a book about tomatoes (recommendations listed), and focus on the vocabulary word tomato. They count the syllables...