Patterns, Space, Measurement & Data
Space and Shape (2D & 3D Objects, Position)
Grade 1 · Grade 2 · Grade 3
- ✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to identify and name common 2D shapes (circle, square, triangle, rectangle).
- ✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to identify and name common 3D objects (rectangular prism/box, sphere/ball, cylinder/can, pyramid, cone).
- ✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to describe the position of objects using appropriate vocabulary (e.g., in front of, behind, next to, on top of, under, left, right).
- ✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to sort and classify 2D shapes and 3D objects based on their simple properties.
- ✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to recognise 2D shapes on the faces of 3D objects.
Key concepts
2D shapes are flat shapes that can be drawn on a piece of paper. They only have length and width. We can see them, but we cannot hold them like real objects. Common 2D shapes include the circle, square, triangle, and rectangle.
3D objects are solid objects that take up space. They have length, width, and height (or depth). We can hold them in our hands. Common 3D objects include the rectangular prism (like a box), sphere (like a ball), cylinder (like a can), pyramid, and cone. The flat surfaces of 3D objects are called faces, and these faces are 2D shapes.
Position describes where an object is located in relation to other objects or a specific point. We use special words to describe position, such as: in front of, behind, next to, on top of, under, above, below, inside, outside, left, right, and between.
Key facts to remember
- 12D shapes are flat and have length and width.
- 23D objects take up space and have length, width, and height.
- 3Common 2D shapes are circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles.
- 4Common 3D objects are spheres (balls), rectangular prisms (boxes), cylinders (cans), pyramids, and cones.
- 5We use words like 'on top of', 'under', 'next to', 'in front of', 'behind', 'left', and 'right' to describe position.
- 6The flat surfaces of 3D objects are called faces, and these faces are 2D shapes.
- 7A square has 4 equal straight sides and 4 corners.
- 8A triangle has 3 straight sides and 3 corners.
Worked examples
Example 1
Look at the object. Is it a 2D shape or a 3D object? What is its name? (Imagine a picture of a soccer ball)
Answer
It is a 3D object. Its name is a sphere (or ball).
At this stage, 'ball' is an acceptable name for a sphere.
Example 2
Look at the picture. Where is the book in relation to the table? (Imagine a picture of a book placed under a table)
Answer
The book is under the table.
Using words like 'on top of', 'under', 'next to' helps describe position clearly.
Example 3
What 2D shape can you see on the flat face of a cereal box?
Answer
You can see a rectangle on the flat face of a cereal box.
A rectangular prism has rectangular faces. If it were a cube (a special rectangular prism), its faces would be squares.
Common mistakes
- ✗Confusing 2D shapes with 3D objects (e.g., calling a circle a sphere, or a square a cube).
- ✗Using incorrect vocabulary for position (e.g., saying 'above' instead of 'under' when describing an object's location).
- ✗Not recognising that the flat faces of 3D objects are 2D shapes.
- ✗Mixing up the names of different shapes or objects (e.g., calling a rectangle a square when its sides are not all equal).
Exam tips
- ★Look carefully at any pictures provided in the questions to correctly identify shapes, objects, and their positions.
- ★Use the correct mathematical words to describe shapes, objects, and their positions accurately.
- ★Practise identifying shapes and objects in your everyday environment (e.g., 'The door is a rectangle', 'The orange is a sphere').
- ★Draw simple diagrams or use your hands to visualise position if you are unsure.
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