Shapes Cool: A Fun and Interactive Way to Learn Geometry

When it comes to learning geometry, many students can find it challenging to identify and classify shapes. However, with a fun and interactive activity called Mystery Shapes, students can learn to focus on the attributes of polygons without relying on their visual appearance.

To set up this activity, you will need brown paper bags, some sort of filler, and pattern blocks. Start by filling each bag with the filler, making sure not to overfill it. Then, have students reach into the bag and feel around for different shapes. Without looking at the shape, they must use their sense of touch to identify its attributes.

This activity is a great way to review previous learning about identifying shapes by their properties. By taking away the visual aspect, students are forced to focus on the individual attributes of each shape, such as the number of sides, the length of the sides, or whether the sides are parallel. This helps them develop critical thinking skills and makes it easier for them to classify polygons.

In addition to reviewing previous learning, Mystery Shapes is also a great way to introduce new concepts related to geometry. For example, students can learn about hierarchies of shapes by grouping different figures based on their properties. This activity aligns with Common Core standards 5.G.3 and 5.G.4, which focus on grouping figures based on their attributes and making generalizations about each group.

Overall, Mystery Shapes is a fun and interactive way to teach students about geometry. By focusing on the attributes of shapes rather than their visual appearance, students can develop critical thinking skills and gain a deeper understanding of this important math concept.

Shapes cool