Shaping Up!

Exploring Geometry in Year 2?

Absolutely!
The children have begun examining the 2D and 3D shapes in the world around us.  Working out what the difference is between 2D and 3D is the first level of our current investigation.  The students had already begun to name the shapes in year 1, and are generally very confident with 2D shapes.  Now we introduce the concept of 'three dimensions' and to help them understand, I showed them a useful little animation that you can find in the Maths Dictionary link in the side bar, under 'Three Dimensions'. 
Simone is leading the students in discovering 2D and 3D shapes in the environmnent, recording and identifying them.  Kevin is building the vocabulary for describing shapes, such as 'face', 'side', 'corner', 'vertice' (soon!), and 'edge'.  The concepts of 'parallel lines'  and 'angles' is also important in this investigation and I am introducing those ideas as we sort and draw 2D and 3D shapes, building the appropriate vocabulary into the discussion as we go.
Here are some fantastic designs that were made today by Kit, Lucas, Harry, and Mabel.  Ask the budding mathematician in your family  what they observe about these designs!

           

 

 

 Enjoy exploring!  See you on Friday....Janette.