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Lesson Plan Template

  • Grade

  • Subject

  • Section

First

Math

​

  • Competency

Three-dimensional shapes (1)

  • Aligned Standards

Geometry

  • Strand

1.G.A.1

  • Vocabulary

  • Sphere: A completely round shape with no flat surfaces.
  • Cube: A shape with 6 faces, all of which are squares.
  • Cylinder: A shape with two circular faces and one curved surface.
  • Cone: A shape with one circular face and a pointed top.

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Identify Three-dimensional Shapes

Prerequisite Skill

Select 3d Shapes

Materials and Preparation

  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Physical models of three-dimensional shapes (spheres, cubes, cylinders, cones)
  • Flashcards with pictures of 3D shapes
  • TeachTastic Worksheet Pack for identifying 3D shapes
  • Pencils and erasers

Learning Objectives

  • Students will understand the characteristics of different three-dimensional shapes.
  • Students will be able to identify and name various three-dimensional shapes.
  • Students will demonstrate their ability to select the correct three-dimensional shape from a group of shapes.

Introduction

Begin the lesson by introducing three-dimensional shapes. Show physical models of a sphere, cube, cylinder, and cone. Discuss the characteristics of each shape. For example, a sphere is completely round with no flat surfaces, while a cube has six square faces.

Explicit Instruction/Teacher modeling

Explain how to identify each three-dimensional shape. Use the following steps:

  1. Sphere: Show a ball and explain that a sphere is completely round with no flat surfaces.
  2. Cube: Show a dice or a box and explain that a cube has six faces, all of which are squares.
  3. Cylinder: Show a can or a tube and explain that a cylinder has two circular faces and one curved surface.
  4. Cone: Show an ice cream cone and explain that a cone has one circular face and a pointed top.

Using the example problem, demonstrate:

  • "Which shape is a sphere?" Show several shapes and guide students to select the sphere.

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Guided Practice

Provide students with new problems and solve them together:

  1. "Which shape is a cube?" Show several shapes and ask students to identify the cube.
  2. "Which shape is a cylinder?" Show several shapes and ask students to identify the cylinder.
  3. "Which shape is a cone?" Show several shapes and ask students to identify the cone. Use the TeachTastic Worksheet Pack to guide practice problems.

Independent Practice

Distribute the independent practice worksheets from the TeachTastic Worksheet Pack. Students will complete problems on their own, such as:

  • "Which shape is a sphere?" Show a set of shapes and ask students to circle the sphere.
  • "Which shape is a cube?" Show a set of shapes and ask students to circle the cube.
  • "Which shape is a cylinder?" Show a set of shapes and ask students to circle the cylinder.
  • "Which shape is a cone?" Show a set of shapes and ask students to circle the cone. Circulate the room to provide assistance as needed and ensure students are correctly identifying the shapes.

Differentiation

Support

  • Offer additional practice with physical models for students who need it.
  • Provide step-by-step written guides for identifying each shape.
  • Pair students who are struggling with a peer tutor for additional support.

Step-by-Step Guide for Identifying Each Shape

1. Identifying a Sphere:

  • Step 1: Look for a completely round shape.
  • Step 2: Check if the shape has no flat surfaces.
  • Step 3: Ensure the shape is smooth all around, like a ball.
  • Example: A basketball, a globe, or a marble are all spheres.

2. Identifying a Cube:

  • Step 1: Look for a shape with flat surfaces.
  • Step 2: Count the faces; a cube has 6 faces.
  • Step 3: Check if all faces are squares.
  • Step 4: Verify that all edges are equal in length.
  • Example: A dice, a Rubik's cube, or a building block are all cubes.

3. Identifying a Cylinder:

  • Step 1: Look for a shape with two flat circular faces.
  • Step 2: Check if there is one curved surface connecting the two circles.
  • Step 3: Ensure the circular faces are parallel and identical.
  • Example: A can, a tube of toothpaste, or a drinking glass are all cylinders.

4. Identifying a Cone:

  • Step 1: Look for a shape with one flat circular face.
  • Step 2: Check if the shape comes to a point on the opposite end of the circular face.
  • Step 3: Ensure there is one curved surface connecting the base to the point.
  • Example: An ice cream cone, a traffic cone, or a party hat are all cones.

Extension

  • Provide more challenging problems involving identifying three-dimensional shapes in different orientations.
  • Incorporate identifying three-dimensional shapes into more complex geometric problems.
  • Challenge students to find three-dimensional shapes in their environment and bring examples to class.

Assessment

Use the assessment worksheets from the TeachTastic Worksheet Pack to evaluate students' mastery of identifying three-dimensional shapes. Include a mix of straightforward and more complex problems to ensure comprehensive understanding.

Review and closing

Summarize the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the characteristics of each three-dimensional shape. Address any common misconceptions and answer any student questions. Encourage students to share their thoughts on the lesson and any challenges they faced.

Misconceptions

  • Students may confuse similar shapes, such as a cube and a rectangular prism.
    • Clarify the difference by emphasizing the characteristics unique to each shape.
  • Students may not recognize shapes in different orientations.
    • Provide practice with shapes in various orientations and emphasize that orientation does not change the shape's properties.
  • Students may forget the defining characteristics of each shape.
    • Reinforce the characteristics of each shape through repeated practice and visual aids.
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