New
New
Year 2
Investigate how polygons can be joined and folded to form 3D shapes
I can investigate how polygons can be joined and folded to form 3D shapes.
New
New
Year 2
Investigate how polygons can be joined and folded to form 3D shapes
I can investigate how polygons can be joined and folded to form 3D shapes.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- 3D shapes can have flat faces. Each face is a 2D shape.
- 2D shapes can be folded and joined together to build 3D shapes.
Keywords
3D / three-dimensional - A shape with three measurable dimensions, e.g. width, height and depth.
2D / two-dimensional - A shape with only two measurable dimensions, e.g. width and length, but no thickness.
Face - The flat 2D surfaces of a 3D shape.
Common misconception
Children may apply the names of 2D shapes to 3D shapes (such as square and cube).
Have examples of the confused 2D and 3D shapes (such as square and cube) for the children to handle and explore. Discuss what is the same and what is different about them.
Children would benefit from opportunities to explore how to join and fold 2D shapes to form different 3D shapes. This could be using construction materials as well as taking apart and building together different-shaped cardboard boxes and other packaging.
Teacher tip
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
Tick all the polygons.

A
C
Q2.
Match the image of the polygon to its name.

triangle
octagon
quadrilateral
rectangle
Q3.
Order the shapes from largest to smallest.

Q4.
True or false. The vertices of this polygon are all the same.

True
Q5.
Compare these shapes. Which statements are true?

They are both quadrilaterals.
They both have a wide vertex at top.
Q6.
How would you describe the vertex that the arrow is pointing to?

The vertex looks wide.
The vertex looks like a square corner.
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
Which 3D shape could Jun have used to create this painting?





Q2.
Which 3D shape could Jun have used to create this painting?





Q3.
Which painting shows all the faces of this 3D shape?




Q4.
Which painting shows all the faces of this 3D shape?




Q5.
Which 3D shapes could Jun build with his construction materials?





Q6.
Match the 2D shape to the 3D shape that will be made once folded.



