Shape Detectives
Cut out simple shape templates and look through them to find similar shapes in the real world.
This activity may be Fiddly
Cut out simple shape templates and look through them to find similar shapes in the real world.
This activity may be Fiddly
What will I need?
Top tip
The shape finders will be sturdier if printed on thick paper or laminated.
The middle part of the template can be tricky to cut out using scissors. An adult could cut it out using a craft knife and cutting board.
1. Gather your supplies using the list above.
2. Cut out the shape finder templates. Then cut along the dotted lines and cut out the shapes.
3. Tape the dotted lines back together.
4. Punch a hole in each template and then use the holes to tie them all together with a loop of string or a pipe cleaner.
5. Search all around at school, at home, in a museum or out and about. Can you find something for every shape outline?
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Which shape is the most common?
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What shapes are difficult to make with your hands?
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Try making your own new shape, and add it to your set.
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What are the similarities and differences between the shapes?
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Why do you think most doors and windows are rectangles?
Mathematicians define straight-sided two-dimensional shapes according to the number of sides or ‘vertices’ (corners) they have. The number of sides is always equal to the number of vertices—so a square or a rectangle has four of each, while a triangle has three of each. All two-dimensional shapes with straight sides are called polygons; circles and ellipses (ovals) have curved sides.
Architects, builders, designers and engineers make good use of all the simple shapes found in this activity to build structures and design products. Squares, rectangles and regular hexagons are great shapes for paving slabs or tiles because they fit together perfectly and cover a surface, or tessellate. Triangles are an ideal shape for building large structures such as bridges and towers that need to be very strong because they are rigid and cannot skew.
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