Math Problem-Solving: 3-D Shapes

03/12/2012

Math Problem-Solving: 3-D Shapes

So here are some 3-D Shape Problems. Make sure you do lots of exploring with 3-D shapes before you even think about doing these problems! (Click here for ideas). Some of these problems are very challenging. You know your class best! You determine which problems are appropriate and which ones aren't. (And you can always do them whole-group. Just make sure the kids are doing the thinking and you're not telling them how to solve it!)

Day 1

This is a fun activity that really encourages kids to think about the attributes of 3-D shapes.It also integrates science and makes kids think about how the shape of an object affects how it moves.

It's super easy. Just prop up a flat surface (we used dry erase boards), give the kids a variety of 3-D shapes and let them go!

I encourage the kids to make predictions and explain their thinking before they roll, slide or stack. For example, "I think the sphere will roll because it is round all over," or "I think the cube will slide but not roll because all of its sides are flat."

I also encourage the kids to try all sides of a shape out--i.e. a cylinder will roll on its sides, but slides on its ends. You can stack a cone on top of another shape, but because it has a point on top, you cannot stack another shape on top of it (although they sure try!)

After the kids have had lots of time to explore, they fill out a recording sheet for their journal.

You can download the recording sheet here: Download 3D Shape Movement

Then we discuss! What different attributes helped or stopped the shapes from rolling/sliding/stacking? Would it be a good idea to make a car with cone-shaped wheels? What about a sphere-shaped soccer ball?

Day 2

Make sure you give kids actual shapes to manipulate when solving these problems. This one is pretty straight forward...