Lesson 2

Describing Shapes

Est. Class Sessions: 2–3
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Mathematical Standards

1.G.A
Reason with shapes and their attributes. (1.G.A.1)

Standards for Mathematical Practice

MP3.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
MP4.
Model with mathematics.
MP6.
Attend to precision.
MP7.
Look for and make use of structure.

This activity emphasizes the properties of two-dimensional shapes and the language students use to describe these properties. Students first describe and then compare and contrast two-dimensional shapes.

Content in this Lesson

  • Identifying two-dimensional shapes [E1].
  • Describing the properties of shapes (number of sides, number of corners) [E2].
  • Comparing and contrasting two-dimensional shapes [E3].
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Materials for Students

Daily Practice and Problems Lesson Homework Assessment

Student Books

 Student Activity Book

Teacher Resources

 Teacher Guide - digital

Supplies for Student Pairs

One set of pattern blocks (hexagon, trapezoid, blue rhombus, tan rhombus, square, triangle)

Materials for the Teacher

Display of Shape Walk (Student Activity Book) Page 23
Display of Comparing Shapes Master (Teacher Guide)
Display of Comparing Properties of Shapes Master (Teacher Guide)
Unit 2 Assessment Record
an assortment of pattern blocks and other shapes such as circles and rectangles that can be displayed
paper bag
3 sheets of chart paper
Shape Charts from Lesson 1

Materials Preparation

Prepare for Describing Shapes. Gather one set of pattern blocks (see Figure 1) and other shapes, such as a circle and a rectangle. Display the Shape Charts from Lesson 1.


Figure 1: A set of pattern blocks

Prepare for Guess My Shape. Place one set of pattern blocks (hexagon, trapezoid, blue rhombus, tan rhombus, square, triangle) in a paper bag and set aside one set of the pattern blocks for each student pair.

Prepare for Comparing Properties of Shapes. On each of the three sheets of chart paper, draw two intersecting rectangles to make a Venn Diagram and glue on one of the pairs of shapes from the Comparing Properties of Shapes Master in the Teacher Guide. You may want to use the Comparing Shapes Master to make the three posters.
Figure 2 shows an example of the 3 charts with the pairs of shapes and the Venn Diagrams.


Figure 2: Three Venn Diagram charts with pairs of shapes from Comparing Properties of Shapes

Prepare Guess My Shape for Targeted Practice. Place materials in a learning center: one set of pattern blocks in a paper bag and one set not in a paper bag. Students can continue to practice guessing two-dimensional shapes by their properties.

Assessment in this Lesson

Assessment Expectation Assessed
Observe
Guess My Shape
Teacher Guide - digital
E1.
Identify and name two-dimensional shapes.
E2.
Describe the properties of two-dimensional shapes (e.g., number of sides, length of sides, number of corners).
Alike and Different
Student Activity Book
Page 25
E3.
Compare and contrast two-dimensional shapes using their properties (e.g., number of sides, length of sides, number of corners).