In geometry, a three-dimensional shape can be defined as a solid figure, object or shape that has three dimensions – length, width and height.  The ability to accurately identify shapes is a foundational mathematical skill, and it is quite rewarding for children because their world is full of shapes. Understanding shapes will enable students to be more in tune to the world around them and see the connections between objects.

This week, not only did we identify three dimensional shapes and compare them,  we discovered that these shapes work together to create structures, both man made and natural, that are everywhere in our lives.  We made some very interesting discoveries!

We learned how to draw rectangular prisms:

Using playdough and toothpicks, we created 3D shapes and compared them:

We created 3D graphic organizers to better understand edges, faces and vertices:

As a culminating activity, we made 3D sculptures, challenging ourselves to use the cone, rectangular prism, pyramid, cylinder and sphere: