This collection is one of our Primary Curriculum collections - tasks that are grouped by topic.
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Exploring 2D Shapes
In this task, children will make shapes out of loops of string and discuss what they notice about their shapes.
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Making Footprints
In this activity, children will develop an awareness of the faces of 3D shapes by using them to make 'footprints' in soft dough.
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Making a Picture
This task provides an opportunity for children to work together to make a picture, discussing with each other which position they want to put each shape in.
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Building Towers
In this task, children will explore 3D shapes when selecting which shapes to use in their tower.
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Shapes in the Bag
In this task, children put their hands into a bag and describe what shape they think they can feel and why.
problem
Let's Investigate Triangles
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
Vincent and Tara are making triangles with the class construction set. They have a pile of strips of different lengths. How many different triangles can they make?
problem
Cubes Cut into Four Pieces
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
Eight children each had a cube made from modelling clay. They cut them into four pieces which were all exactly the same shape and size. Whose pieces are the same? Can you decide who made each set?
problem
Building with Solid Shapes
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
We have a box of cubes, triangular prisms, cones, cuboids, cylinders and tetrahedrons. Which of the buildings would fall down if we tried to make them?
problem
Skeleton Shapes
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
How many balls of modelling clay and how many straws does it take to make these skeleton shapes?
problem
Shadow Play
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
Here are shadows of some 3D shapes. What shapes could have made them?
problem
Complete the Square
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
Complete the squares - but be warned some are trickier than they look!
problem
Overlaps
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
What does the overlap of these two shapes look like? Try picturing it in your head and then use some cut-out shapes to test your prediction.
problem
Jig Shapes
Age
5 to 11
Challenge level
Can you each work out what shape you have part of on your card? What will the rest of it look like?
problem
Exploded Squares
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
This practical activity challenges you to create symmetrical designs by cutting a square into strips.
problem
Shapely Lines
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
This challenge invites you to create your own picture using just straight lines. Can you identify shapes with the same number of sides and decorate them in the same way?
problem
Data shapes
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
Sara and Will were sorting some pictures of shapes on cards. "I'll collect the circles," said Sara. "I'll take the red ones," answered Will. Can you see any cards they would both want?
problem
What's happening?
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
Shapes are added to other shapes. Can you see what is happening? What is the rule?
problem
Paper Patchwork 1
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
Can you work out what shape is made when this piece of paper is folded up using the crease pattern shown?
problem
Paper Patchwork 2
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
Have a go at making a few of these shapes from paper in different sizes. What patterns can you create?
problem
Paper Partners
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
Can you describe a piece of paper clearly enough for your partner to know which piece it is?
problem
Triangle or No Triangle?
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
Here is a selection of different shapes. Can you work out which ones are triangles, and why?
problem
Always, Sometimes or Never? KS1
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
Are these statements relating to calculation and properties of shapes always true, sometimes true or never true?
problem
Inside Triangles
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
How many different triangles can you draw on the dotty grid which each have one dot in the middle?
problem
Matching Triangles
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
Can you sort these triangles into three different families and explain how you did it?
problem
Chain of Changes
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
Arrange the shapes in a line so that you change either colour or shape in the next piece along. Can you find several ways to start with a blue triangle and end with a red circle?
problem
Colouring Triangles
Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
Explore ways of colouring this set of triangles. Can you make symmetrical patterns?
problem
Three Squares
Age
5 to 11
Challenge level
What is the greatest number of squares you can make by overlapping three squares?
problem
Poly Plug Rectangles
Age
5 to 11
Challenge level
The computer has made a rectangle and will tell you the number of spots it uses in total. Can you find out where the rectangle is?
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You may also be interested in this collection of activities from the STEM Learning website, that complement the NRICH activities above.