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2 and 3-Dimensional Shapes, Construction and Identifying Prisms for Primary 5

Primary 5 pupils learn 2 and 3-Dimensional Shapes, Construction and Identifying Prisms, follow worked examples and practise accurate problem-solving with objective-aligned checks.

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Class: Primary 5
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 3
Age: 10 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: General Mathematics
Curriculum Theme: Nil
Previous Lesson: Plane Shapes, Parallel Lines, Triangles and Quadrilaterals Properties.
Topic: 2 AND 3 – DIMENSIONAL SHAPES.
Subject Matter: Constructing 2 and 3 dimensional shapes using cardboard tape scissors and rulers, showing cubes cuboids and cylinders as prisms, identifying basic properties of common 3D shapes.

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

  • Identify different 2D and 3D shapes.
  • State basic properties of common 3D shapes like cubes, cuboids, and cylinders.
  • Explain why cubes, cuboids, and cylinders are considered prisms.

Affective Domain:

  • Participate actively in the construction of shapes.
  • Appreciate the presence of 2D and 3D shapes in their environment.

Psychomotor Domain:

  • Construct simple 2D and 3D shapes using given materials.

Social Domain:

  • Work cooperatively with peers to construct shapes.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

  • 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Primary 4-6 (Mathematics)
  • State Unified Scheme of Work for Primary 5 Mathematics
  • Quantitative Aptitude Workbook for Primary 5
  • Primary Mathematics Textbook for Primary 5

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • Charts showing various 2D and 3D shapes
  • Flash cards of shape names
  • Cardboard, tape, scissors, rulers
  • Pre-cut nets of cubes, cuboids, and cylinders

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the fundamental differences between two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes, which are common in their daily lives. Learning to construct these shapes and identify their properties builds foundational spatial reasoning skills. This understanding is important for future mathematical concepts and practical applications.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have basic knowledge of plane shapes such as squares, rectangles, and circles, and be able to identify some common solid objects.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

2 AND 3 – DIMENSIONAL SHAPES

Introduction to 2D Shapes

Two-dimensional (2D) shapes are flat shapes that can only be measured in two directions: length and width. They have no thickness.

Examples of 2D shapes include:

  • Square
  • Rectangle
  • Triangle
  • Circle

Introduction to 3D Shapes

Three-dimensional (3D) shapes are solid objects that have length, width, and height (or depth). They occupy space.

Examples of 3D shapes include:

  • Cube
  • Cuboid
  • Cylinder
  • Pyramid
  • Cone
  • Sphere

Constructing 2D and 3D Shapes

2D shapes can be drawn on a flat surface using a ruler and pencil. 3D shapes can be constructed from 2D “nets” using materials like cardboard, tape, scissors, and rulers.

Steps for constructing a 3D shape from a net:

  • Draw or print the net of the desired 3D shape on cardboard.
  • Carefully cut out the net using scissors.
  • Fold along the lines marked on the net.
  • Use tape to secure the edges together, forming the 3D shape.

Cubes, Cuboids, and Cylinders as Prisms

A prism is a 3D shape with two identical and parallel ends (bases) and flat sides. The cross-section of a prism is the same along its entire length.

Cubes, cuboids, and cylinders are examples of prisms:

  • Cube: Has two identical square bases and rectangular (square) sides.
  • Cuboid: Has two identical rectangular bases and rectangular sides.
  • Cylinder: Has two identical circular bases and a curved side that can be unrolled into a rectangle.

Basic Properties of Common 3D Shapes

3D shapes have faces, edges, and vertices.

  • Face: A flat surface of a 3D shape.
  • Edge: A line segment where two faces meet.
  • Vertex (plural: vertices): A point where three or more edges meet.

The properties of some common 3D shapes are:

  • Cube:
    • 6 faces (all square)
    • 12 edges
    • 8 vertices
  • Cuboid:
    • 6 faces (all rectangular, or some square)
    • 12 edges
    • 8 vertices
  • Cylinder:
    • 3 faces (2 circular bases, 1 curved surface)
    • 2 edges (curved, where the bases meet the curved surface)
    • 0 vertices
  • Pyramid (e.g., Square-based pyramid):
    • 5 faces (1 square base, 4 triangular sides)
    • 8 edges
    • 5 vertices

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to look around the classroom, pointing out objects like the board, books, and a water bottle. The teacher then asks what shapes they can identify in these objects.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by naming shapes they see, such as rectangles (board, books) and cylinders (water bottle).
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and connect prior knowledge to the lesson topic.

Step 2: Introduction to 2D Shapes

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines 2D shapes, uses a chart to show examples like squares, rectangles, triangles, and circles, and draws some on the board. The teacher asks pupils to mention other 2D shapes.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the chart, and mention other 2D shapes they know.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the concept and examples of 2D shapes.

Step 3: Introduction to 3D Shapes

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines 3D shapes, shows physical examples like a cube, cuboid, and cylinder, and explains that they have length, width, and height. The teacher asks pupils to identify these shapes in the classroom.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the physical objects, and identify 3D shapes in their environment.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the concept and examples of 3D shapes.

Step 4: Constructing 2D and 3D Shapes

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical Activity
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to construct a simple 3D shape (e.g., a cube) from its net using cardboard, scissors, ruler, and tape. The teacher then provides pre-cut nets or encourages pupils to draw their own to attempt construction.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, then work in groups or individually to construct simple 3D shapes.
Learning Point: Pupils develop practical skills in constructing shapes.

Step 5: Cubes, Cuboids, and Cylinders as Prisms

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Comparison
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what a prism is, highlighting its key features (two identical bases, flat sides). The teacher then uses the constructed shapes (cube, cuboid, cylinder) to show why they are classified as prisms.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, examine the shapes, and ask questions to clarify their understanding of prisms.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition of a prism and can identify specific 3D shapes as prisms.

Step 6: Basic Properties of Common 3D Shapes

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Listing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to identify and count the faces, edges, and vertices of physical 3D shapes (cube, cuboid, cylinder, pyramid). The teacher writes the properties on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively count and state the properties of each shape as guided by the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils learn to identify and state the basic properties of common 3D shapes.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

  1. Define a 2D shape and give two examples.
  2. What are the three dimensions of a 3D shape?
  3. List two materials you can use to construct a 3D shape.
  4. Explain why a cuboid is considered a prism.
  5. State the number of faces, edges, and vertices of a cube.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the difference between 2D and 3D shapes, how to construct them, and their properties. The teacher then assigns homework.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and copy the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for further practice.

Home Task: Solve three new exercises on 2 AND 3 – DIMENSIONAL SHAPES. Show each step and check each answer.

Lesson Keywords

  • 2D Shapes – Flat shapes with only length and width.
  • 3D Shapes – Solid objects with length, width, and height.
  • Prism – A 3D shape with two identical and parallel bases and flat sides.
  • Face – A flat surface of a 3D shape.
  • Edge – A line segment where two faces of a 3D shape meet.
  • Vertex – A point where three or more edges of a 3D shape meet.
  • Net – A 2D pattern that can be folded to form a 3D shape.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, they can be challenged to construct more complex 3D shapes like pyramids or cones, or to draw nets for specific shapes. For pupils needing more support, the teacher can provide pre-drawn and pre-scored nets for easier construction and offer additional guided practice in identifying properties.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure you have all construction materials ready and sufficient for all pupils or groups. Supervise pupils closely during the construction activity, especially when using scissors. Encourage hands-on exploration of the physical properties of shapes. Emphasize the connection between 2D nets and their corresponding 3D shapes.

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2 and 3-Dimensional Shapes, Construction and Identifying Prisms for Primary 5
About the author

Royal Alikor

Royal Alikor is an educator with six years of classroom teaching and three years of elementary school leadership experience. He develops and reviews practical, curriculum-aligned learning materials for Nigerian schools.

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