Mathematics / Year 3 / Measurement and Geometry / Shape

Curriculum content descriptions

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

Elaborations
  • exploring the creation of three-dimensional objects using origami, including prisms and pyramids
General capabilities
  • Literacy Literacy
  • Numeracy Numeracy
ScOT terms

Solids (Geometry)

Interactive

Face painter: finding faces 1

Identify polygons on a range of prisms and polyhedra such as a cube, square pyramid or triangular prism. Picture in your head all sides of a solid. Estimate how many faces the object has. Rotate it to see all of its faces. Paint each face of a given shape such as a triangle or rectangle.

Interactive

Solids

An interactive tutorial about types of solids and the components of simple solids.

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Skeleton Shapes

This resource is a web page containing a practical task to model 3-D objects. The task suggests the use of straws and modelling clay or similar material to create a model of firstly a cube and next other 3-D objects. A printable resource is also available to support the task. This resource is an activity from the NRICH website.

Online

Shapes and objects: Year 3 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 3 is for the topic of Shapes and objects. Students identify and describe 3D objects and their geometric properties. Students develop their understanding of an object’s properties by creating models using a variety of materials. They explore common objects in the environment and explain the ...

Interactive

How does your garden grow?

This Stage 2 resource grew from a conversation between young students questioning why they could still buy grapes if they were out of season. This wondering led to a discussion around when we grow certain fruit and vegetables. The original stimulus was extended to cover planting for the seasons and factors that influence ...

Downloadable

First steps in Mathematics: Space – Diagnostic tasks

A collection of diagnostic tasks designed to use with students to assess their understanding of space-related concepts in mathematics.

Downloadable

Geometry: Foundation to Year 9

This comprehensive resource describes the progression of geometric reasoning. The resource demonstrates examples of relevant teaching strategies, investigations, activity plans and connected concepts in geometry including teaching and cultural implications.

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Guess My Shape or Object - Calculate

The focus of this activity is to encourage and support students to describe two dimensional shapes and three dimensional objects according to their features or properties.

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Introduction to Shapes Year 2 - Calculate

The focus of this activity is to discover the language that students are using to describe the features of shapes. Although students may know the names of many shapes, and may know the difference between a square and a circle, the description of why these shapes are different may not be mathematically accurate. Listen to ...

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Pattern Blocks - Calculate

This activity uses pattern blocks to explore patterns and the relationship between numbers. Students use the blocks to create and describe other shapes and since the blocks are relational they can be used for other investigations. For example, turn the blocks into units – if the triangle is one what is the value of the hexagon?

Downloadable

First steps in mathematics: Space

This guide supports teachers to develop students’ geometric understandings.

Downloadable

Categorisation

Use this task to assess students’ knowledge and understanding of properties of shapes, and language they use when describing common features.

Interactive

Rotations of two-dimensional objects

This is a four-page HTML resource about solving problems concerning quarter turns of two-dimensional objects. It contains four questions, one of which is interactive, and one video. The resource discusses and explains quarter turns to reinforce students' understanding.

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Making maths: Rangoli designs

This resource is a web page containing an activity about symmetrical patterns that are used to decorate traditional Indian clothing and architecture. The patterns contain line and/or rotational symmetry. Students can examine the patterns and identify the type of symmetry present in each one. This resource is one of a series ...

Interactive

Sites2See: Patterns and Algebra

Selected links to a range of interactive online resources for the study of patterns and algebra in Foundation to Year 6 Mathematics.

Interactive

Sites2See: Space and Geometry for Primary

Selected links to online resources that can support the teaching and learning of geometry for primary-aged students.

Interactive

Sites2See – measurement for primary

Selected links to a range of interactive and print resources for Measurement topics in K-6 Mathematics.

Online

Taronga Zoo - Wild Australia: iPad app

This iPad app is designed for Stage 2 students to use while on excursion in the Wild Australia area in Taronga Zoo Sydney and at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo. Students create a field report from observations and can email and review their editable summary poster for further study back at school. The app has intuitive ...

Interactive

Cassowary ecology quiz

Explore facts about the life of cassowaries: physical characteristics; diet; habitat; life cycles; and locations. Interact with graphs to see how much people can help cassowaries. Work through ecology notes and resources. Answer questions as you go; express your answers as fractions. This learning object is one in a series ...

Online

Primary mathematics: games, simulations and modelling

These seven learning activities, which focus on 'games, simulations and modelling' using a variety of tools (software) and devices (hardware), illustrate the ways in which content, pedagogy and technology can be successfully and effectively integrated in order to promote learning. In the activities, teachers use games, ...