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Shape Shifters

Lesson Plan

Fantastic Shapes Lesson

Students will be able to identify and describe properties of 2D and 3D shapes and understand how they can transform.

Understanding shapes is fundamental to visual literacy and problem-solving, skills essential in everyday life and fields like design and engineering.

Audience

2nd Grade Class

Time

35 minutes

Approach

Interactive presentation, discussion, and hands-on building activity.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction: Shape Brainstorm (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Begin with a quick brainstorm: "What shapes do you know?" Write student responses on the board.
    - Introduce the concept of 2D (flat) and 3D (solid) shapes. Use the Meet the Shapes Presentation to guide the discussion.

Step 2

Explore 2D Shapes (10 minutes)

10 minutes

  • Use the Meet the Shapes Presentation to introduce various 2D shapes (circle, square, triangle, rectangle, etc.) and their properties (number of sides, vertices).
    - Ask students to identify these shapes in the classroom.

Step 3

Discover 3D Shapes (10 minutes)

10 minutes

  • Transition to 3D shapes (cube, sphere, cylinder, cone, pyramid). Use the Meet the Shapes Presentation to show examples and discuss properties (faces, edges, vertices).
    - Discuss how 2D shapes are part of 3D shapes (e.g., a square face on a cube).

Step 4

Building Block Challenge (8 minutes)

8 minutes

  • Introduce the Building Block Challenge activity.
    - Divide students into small groups and provide them with building blocks.
    - Instruct them to build a structure using a variety of 2D and 3D shapes, identifying the shapes they use as they build.

Step 5

Wrap-up & Share (2 minutes)

2 minutes

  • Have groups briefly share their creations and point out some of the 2D and 3D shapes they incorporated.
    - Briefly review the main concepts of 2D and 3D shapes.
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Slide Deck

Shape Shifters: 2D & 3D!

Get ready to explore the amazing world of shapes!

Welcome students and get them thinking about shapes. Ask what shapes they see around the classroom. Encourage a variety of answers.

Flat & Fabulous: 2D Shapes!

What are 2D Shapes?

  • Flat shapes!
  • They only have length and width.
  • Think of a drawing on paper!

Can you name these 2D shapes and their parts?

  • Circle: No sides, no corners
  • Square: 4 equal sides, 4 corners
  • Triangle: 3 sides, 3 corners
  • Rectangle: 4 sides (2 long, 2 short), 4 corners

Explain what 2D means: flat, like a drawing. Introduce common 2D shapes and ask students to name their properties (sides, corners).

Solid & Super: 3D Shapes!

What are 3D Shapes?

  • Solid shapes!
  • They have length, width, and height.
  • You can hold them in your hand!

Let's explore these 3D shapes:

  • Cube: Like a dice! All square faces.
  • Sphere: Like a ball! No flat faces.
  • Cylinder: Like a can! Two circular faces.
  • Cone: Like an ice cream cone! One circular face and a point.
  • Pyramid: Like the pyramids in Egypt! A base and triangular faces meeting at a point.

Transition to 3D shapes. Emphasize that 3D shapes are solid and take up space. Show examples of each and discuss their faces, edges, and vertices.

2D & 3D: Friends Forever!

How do 2D shapes help us understand 3D shapes?

  • The flat parts of 3D shapes are 2D shapes!
  • A cube has square faces.
  • A cylinder has circular faces.

Can you find the 2D shapes hiding in our 3D friends?

Reinforce the connection between 2D and 3D shapes. Ask students to identify the 2D shapes they see on the faces of 3D objects.

Challenge Time: Building with Shapes!

Get Ready to Build!

  • Work in groups.
  • Use building blocks to create a cool structure.
  • Try to use different 2D and 3D shapes.
  • Be ready to share what shapes you used!

Let's get creative!

Explain the upcoming activity. Encourage creativity and collaboration. Remind them to think about both 2D and 3D shapes as they build.

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Activity

Building Block Challenge

Your Mission:

Work with your team to build an awesome structure using a variety of building blocks!

What to Do:

  1. Work in small groups. Your teacher will assign your group.
  2. Gather your blocks. You'll have a mix of shapes.
  3. Design and Build! Create a structure (it can be anything you imagine – a house, a robot, a tower, etc.).
  4. Identify Shapes! As you build, try to use different 2D and 3D shapes. Talk with your teammates about the shapes you are using.
    • Can you find squares, triangles, circles on your blocks?
    • Are you using cubes, cylinders, or pyramids?
  5. Be Ready to Share! When time is up, your group will show off your creation and point out some of the cool 2D and 3D shapes you used.

Reflection Questions (Discuss with your group):

  • What 2D shapes did you use to build your structure?


  • What 3D shapes did you use?


  • Was it easier to build with 2D or 3D shapes? Why?


  • If you could add one more type of block (a new shape!), what would it be and why?


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Shape Shifters • Lenny Learning