Skip to content
HeadTeacher.ng
Lesson Notes

Plane Shapes: Properties of Squares, Rectangles and Triangles for Primary 3

Primary 3 pupils learn Geometry, Properties of Plane, Shapes, follow worked examples and practise accurate problem-solving with objective-aligned checks.

Updated Reading6 min Comments0

Class: Primary 3
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 6
Age: 8 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Mathematics
Curriculum Theme: Geometry
Previous Lesson: Geometry, Symmetry, Concept of Symmetry.
Topic: Geometry – Properties of Plane Shapes
Subject Matter: Shapes, Properties of square, Properties of rectangle, Properties of triangle

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

  • Identify and state the number of sides and angles for squares, rectangles, and triangles.
  • Describe the properties of a square, rectangle, and triangle regarding the size of angles and lines of symmetry.

Affective Domain:

  • Appreciate the presence and importance of plane shapes in their environment.
  • Show interest in learning about different geometric shapes.

Psychomotor Domain:

  • Draw squares, rectangles, and triangles.
  • Label the properties of drawn shapes, such as sides and angles.

Social Domain:

  • Work cooperatively in groups to discuss and identify properties of plane shapes.
  • Share observations about shapes with classmates.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

  • 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum (Primary 3 Mathematics)
  • State Unified Scheme of Work
  • New General Mathematics for Primary Schools Book 3

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • Charts showing different plane shapes (square, rectangle, triangle)
  • Cut-out models of squares, rectangles, and triangles
  • Ruler
  • Pencil
  • Whiteboard or chalkboard

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the basic characteristics of common plane shapes like squares, rectangles, and triangles. Knowing these properties is important for identifying shapes in their daily lives and forms a foundation for future geometry studies.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of identifying common shapes like squares, rectangles, and triangles.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Geometry – Properties of Plane Shapes

Shapes

Shapes are the forms of objects or their external outlines. Plane shapes are flat shapes that can be drawn on a flat surface.

Properties of a Square

A square is a plane shape with four equal straight sides and four equal angles.

The following are properties of a square:

  • It has 4 straight sides.
  • All 4 sides are equal in length.
  • It has 4 corners (angles).
  • All 4 angles are right angles (90 degrees).
  • The sum of its angles is 360 degrees.
  • It has 4 lines of symmetry.

Properties of a Rectangle

A rectangle is a plane shape with four straight sides and four equal angles, where opposite sides are equal in length.

The following are properties of a rectangle:

  • It has 4 straight sides.
  • Opposite sides are equal in length.
  • It has 4 corners (angles).
  • All 4 angles are right angles (90 degrees).
  • The sum of its angles is 360 degrees.
  • It has 2 lines of symmetry.

Properties of a Triangle

A triangle is a plane shape with three straight sides and three angles.

The following are properties of a triangle:

  • It has 3 straight sides.
  • It has 3 corners (angles).
  • The sum of its angles is 180 degrees.
  • It can have lines of symmetry depending on the type of triangle.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

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

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and briefly reviews the previous lesson on identifying basic shapes. The teacher then introduces the new topic: “Properties of Plane Shapes.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings and recall previous knowledge. They listen attentively to the introduction of the new topic.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the new lesson and connect it to prior knowledge.

Step 2: Exploring Shapes

Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Observation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays charts and cut-out models of squares, rectangles, and triangles. The teacher asks pupils to name the shapes and point out their sides and corners.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the shapes and actively point out the sides and corners as requested by the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils visually differentiate between the three plane shapes.

Step 3: Properties of a Square

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses a cut-out square and a ruler to demonstrate its properties. The teacher guides pupils to observe and state the number of sides, if they are equal, the number of angles, and lines of symmetry.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, answer questions, and discuss the properties of a square.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the specific properties of a square.

Step 4: Properties of a Rectangle

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses a cut-out rectangle and a ruler to show its properties. The teacher guides pupils to observe the number of sides, if they are equal (opposite sides), the number of angles, and lines of symmetry.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, compare it with the square, and state the properties of a rectangle.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the specific properties of a rectangle.

Step 5: Properties of a Triangle

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses a cut-out triangle and discusses its properties. The teacher guides pupils to observe the number of sides, angles, and mentions that lines of symmetry depend on the type of triangle.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the triangle, count its sides and angles, and participate in the discussion.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the specific properties of a triangle.

Step 6: Group Activity and Drawing

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Group Work/Practical
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides pupils into small groups and gives each group cut-out shapes. The teacher instructs them to draw each shape in their notebooks and write down at least two properties for each.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils work in groups, draw the shapes, and list their properties in their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their understanding by drawing and describing shapes individually and collaboratively.

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. How many sides does a square have, and are they equal?
  2. State two properties of a rectangle.
  3. How many angles does a triangle have?
  4. Draw a square and a rectangle, then label their sides and angles.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key properties of squares, rectangles, and triangles. The teacher then assigns homework, asking pupils to find three objects at home that represent each of the shapes discussed.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given tasks to reinforce understanding.

Home Task: Solve three new exercises on Geometry – Properties of Plane Shapes. Show each step and check each answer.

Lesson Keywords

  • Shape – The form of an object or its outline.
  • Plane Shape – A flat shape that can be drawn on a flat surface.
  • Side – A straight line forming part of the boundary of a plane figure.
  • Angle – The space between two intersecting lines or surfaces at or close to the point where they meet.
  • Square – A plane shape with four equal sides and four right angles.
  • Rectangle – A plane shape with four straight sides, four right angles, and opposite sides equal.
  • Triangle – A plane shape with three straight sides and three angles.
  • Symmetry – A property of a shape where it can be divided into two identical halves.

Differentiation

For struggling learners, the teacher will provide pre-drawn shapes to label and offer more direct guidance during the group activity. Advanced learners will be challenged to identify different types of triangles (e.g., equilateral, isosceles) and discuss their lines of symmetry.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that pupils actively participate in identifying and stating the properties of each shape. Use real-life examples of objects that are squares, rectangles, and triangles to make the lesson more relatable. Encourage pupils to use rulers and pencils correctly when drawing shapes.

Export this post
Plane Shapes: Properties of Squares, Rectangles and Triangles for Primary 3
Community Join the conversation Open discussion +