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This challenge is designed to be worked on with a friend or in a small group.
You will need to print off and cut out the six cards from this sheet.
Can you use the information on the cards to draw the one shape which is being described?
Did you need all the information that was given? Why or why not?
This activity will help to consolidate learners' understanding of properties of 2D shapes. In order to tackle the problem, they will be comparing different 2D shapes, whether this be by visualising, by drawing, or using practical resources. It could be a useful assessment task.
Give pairs or small groups copies of the cards and simply explain that their task is to draw the shape that is being described. Try not to say anything more at this stage. Stand back and observe the children as they begin the task.
As you move around the room, watch out for those who have an organised approach. Perhaps they are discussing each card in turn and agreeing what it tells them. Perhaps they have noticed some cards which together help narrow down the possibilities. Bring the class together to share thoughts so far (a mini-plenary) which will help some children 'get off the ground' and
others by giving them chance to articulate their ideas.
Having given more time for them to complete the task, the plenary could focus on whether all the information was needed. Were there any cards that were superfluous? Which ones? Why?
What does this card tell you about the shape?
What do we know now?
How are you keeping track of what you know so far?
Some learners might relish the challenge of creating their own version of this task. You may wish to stipulate that there must be one solution, or perhaps you'd like them to create a task which has two or more possible outcomes. Of course, once a new activity is completed it must be tried out!
You could give some children a sheet with some possible shapes on it, one of which is the solution. That way, the task becomes one which involves only comparing and contrasting, rather than creating.
Which times on a digital clock have a line of symmetry? Which look the same upside-down? You might like to try this investigation and find out!
What are the coordinates of this shape after it has been transformed in the ways described? Compare these with the original coordinates. What do you notice about the numbers?
A shape and space game for 2, 3 or 4 players. Be the last person to be able to place a pentomino piece on the playing board.