2D Shape Classification

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

5

Overview

This interactive mathematics resource explores the properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, and regular polygons and allows students to classify shapes based on their properties.

This interactive has an "explore it" tool that could be used to teach attributes of 2D shapes, and also a "use it" Shape Guess game that students can practice identifying and sorting shapes according to their attributes.

This learning activity was created as a result of the Girls Engaged in Math and Science University, GEMS-U Project.

Phase

During/Explore/Explain
Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 5

MA19.5.21

Classify triangles according to side length (isosceles, equilateral, scalene) and angle measure (acute, obtuse, right, equiangular).

UP:MA19.5.21

Vocabulary

  • Classify
  • Polygon
  • Side measure
  • Angle measure
  • Isosceles
  • Equilateral
  • Scalene
  • Acute
  • Obtuse
  • Right
  • Equiangular

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Measurable attributes of triangles include length of side and angle measures.
  • Appropriate tools and units of measure for length of side and angle measures.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Classify triangles according to side measures and angle measures.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • triangles can be described and classified by their properties of side length, angle size, or cross-classify to include both side length and angle size.
Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 5

MA19.5.22

Classify quadrilaterals in a hierarchy based on properties.

UP:MA19.5.22

Vocabulary

  • Quadrilateral
  • Hierarchy
  • Two-dimensional
  • Properties
  • Attributes
  • Polygon
  • Rectangle
  • Rhombus
  • Square
  • Trapezoid
  • Parallelogram

Knowledge

Students know:
  • properties or attributes of two-dimensional shapes.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Classify quadrilaterals based on properties.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Quadrilaterals can be identified by general properties to more specific properties.
  • Properties belonging to a category of two-dimensional figures also belong to all subcategories of that category.
Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 5

MA19.5.23

Explain that attributes belonging to a category of two-dimensional figures also belong to all subcategories of that category.

UP:MA19.5.23

Vocabulary

  • Attribute
  • Category
  • Subset
  • Subcategory
  • Two-dimensional
  • Figure
  • Quadrilateral
  • Right angle
  • Parallel
  • Perpendicular

Knowledge

Students know:
  • vocabulary associated with the properties of shapes.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Explain the relationship between shapes in categories and subcategories.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Quadrilaterals can be identified by general properties to more specific properties.
  • Properties belonging to a category of two-dimensional figures also belong to all subcategories of that category.

Learning Objectives

Students will identify and sort quadrilaterals (including rectangles, squares, trapezoids, parallelograms, and rhombi) according to their attributes.

Activity Details

This activity is designed to help students classify two-dimensional shapes and build spatial skills. The teacher should teach an overview of the attributes of triangles, quadrilaterals, and other polygons prior to students using the interactive. 

1. While using the interactive, students may review attributes of shapes using the "explore" section. 

2. Students should play the "use it" component of the interactive independently or with a partner to build skills in identifying and classifying the various 2D shapes. 

 

Assessment Strategies

There is a print activity located within the interactive that can be used as an assessment tool after students have the opportunity to play the Shape Guess game. 

Variation Tips

Students who struggle in the "use it" component of the interactive, should be encouraged to spend time reviewing the attributes of shapes in the "explore it" section. Some students may also benefit from tangible shape sorting instead of a digital sort. 

Background / Preparation

*Students must have devices with Adobe Flash Player enabled.

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