Classification of three-dimensional shapes

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New Zealand Curriculum: Level 3

Learning Progression Frameworks: Geometric Thinking, Signpost 4 to Signpost 5

Target students

These activities are intended for students who can recognise and name two-dimensional (flat) shapes. Students should be able to sort two-dimensional shapes into classes using properties like the number of sides and angles, parallel and non-parallel sides, and symmetry. They should understand that some shapes are members of more than one class of shape. For example, the set of squares is included in the set of rectangles.

The following diagnostic questions indicate students’ degree of sophistication in classifying three-dimensional shapes by features, and then by properties. A feature is a perceptual (visual) characteristic, such as straightness of sides or pointiness of corners. A property is pattern or consistency that connects features, such as the solid has six sides that are all squares. (show diagnostic questions)

Teaching activities