Lesson 1: How Things Are Shaping Up

• PRINT
• EMAIL

Students will gain an understanding of basic properties of and similarities and differences between simple geometric shapes and how this knowledge of shapes relates to the engineering of any civilization.

OBJECTIVE

Students Will:

• Understand basic properties of, and similarities and differences between, simple geometric shapes

• Know basic language for describing and naming shapes (e.g., square, triangle, cube, sphere, etc.)

MATERIALS
Student Worksheet 1: Things Are Shaping Up

DIRECTIONS

1. Tell students that, in this lesson, they will be talking about shapes, the characteristics of shapes, and how shapes are used in the world around us. 
2. Explain that a long time ago, people in early Egypt built triangle-shaped monuments called pyramids to honor people who had lived before them. It’s estimated that the shapes of the pyramids were based on a sacred pyramid-like stone that pointed skyward called a “Benben.”
   
3. Create a list of shapes on the board for the class so that students can see the name of each shape and how it is spelled. Your list should include, but shouldn't be limited to: triangle, rectangle, square, and circle. After going over the list, erase it from the board.
4. Distribute Student Worksheet 1: Things Are Shaping Up . For leveled instruction, there are two versions of the questions pertaining to each shape. Use the questions most appropriate for your students’ level.
   
5. Read the directions at the top of the page aloud. Instruct students to look at the images on the page and complete the names of the shapes in the spaces provided. Then have them answer the questions that follow.
6. Once they are finished, continue the discussion of shapes with the students by asking for volunteers to read their answers to the class.
   
7. Wrap Up: Ask students to write down five things they've seen today, and then have them determine the shapes of those things. (A wheel is a circle, a door is a rectangle, etc.)

Bonus Activity:

Extend this lesson by having your students create their own Egyptian pyramids in class or at home. Download the “Bonus Activity” PDF to get started!

Shape Building
An activity plan for teachers of four and five year olds to do with their students.

Lesson 1: Perimeter and Area of 2D Shapes
In this lesson, students build knowledge of perimeter and area, and complete related worksheet problems related to building a stage for a concert.

Follow the Pattern
An activity plan for teachers of five and six year olds to do with their students.