In this lesson plan, students learn what vertices, edges and faces are. They Create 2D shapes from play dough and cut these in half to show line of symmetry and identify nets of 3D shapes and create the 3D shape from the net by cutting, folding and pasting/taping. A hands-on lesson that’s full of fun.

• Make models of three dimensional objects and describe key features (ACMMG063).

Orientation  5 minutes

• Focus: Students attention to play dough shapes at the front.
• Engage: Ask students what they think we are doing this lesson?
• Access: What are 3D shapes? What are 2D shapes?

Guided Discovery

Explain 2D shapes are flat (they only have width and length) and 3D shapes have height (length, width and height) E.g. prisms and pyramids. Prisms have two bases and are the same all the way across. Pyramids have one base and a point where all edges meet.

Explain 3D shapes also have vertices, edges and faces. Who knows what vertices, edges and faces are? Using the play dough shapes explain: A vertex is a corner, it is where two or more straight lines meet. An edge joins one vertex (corner) with another and a face is an individual surface.
ExplorationStudents complete worksheet on vertices, edges and faces of 3D shapes.Guided Discovery

What is symmetry? Share ideas. Explain a shape/object has symmetry when both sides of the shape/object are exactly the same/equal when we cut/divide it in half.

Cut a flat triangle created from play dough in half horizontally and ask students if both sides are equal/exactly the same? No, therefore it is not symmetrical. Now cut the triangle in half vertically. Ask students if both sides are equal/exactly the same? Yes, therefore it is symmetrical.
Exploration

Write the names of a few 2D shapes on the board (circle, square, rectangle and triangle). Students roll out play dough and create these shapes and make a cut to show the shape’s line of symmetry.

Guided Discovery

Show students how to create 3D shapes from nets. Cut, fold, paste/tape.

Exploration

Students create 3D shapes from their nets by cutting, folding and pasting/taping.

Reflection 5 minutes

• Share/Explain/Justify/Reflect:
• Consolidate: Revise 2D/3D shapes, vertices, edges, faces, symmetry and nets by playing the tag game.
• Challenge/Extend: What is a hexagonal prism?

Assessment:

• Using anecdotal notes and/or observational checklist, look for:
  • Understands vertices, edges and faces
  • Understands symmetry
  • Is able to correlate nets with its shape

Resources:

• Play dough shapes
• Plastic knife
• Scissors
• Glue
• Tape
• Cube Net (PDF)
• Square-Based Pyramid Net (PDF)
• Vertices, Faces, Edges Worksheet (DOC)

 

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Feature image source: http://richgamesforlearning.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/BlindShapes.jpg