Activity Overview
In kindergarten, students learn to identify if a shape or figure is 2D or 3D, “flat” or “solid.” A picture of something will always be flat, but the actual object would be something a child could hold. Solid figures have mass and take up space, while flat figures do not. Show examples of solid figures and paper cut-outs of two-dimensional shapes and have students classify them. Then show solid figures and pictures of solid figures and lead students in a brief discussion on the difference. Many students will already understand the difference between 2D and 3D, but they will have a hard time grasping the “D” part and what it means.
In this activity, students will identify different dimensions and provide examples of where they appear in real life. This will provide them with a better understanding of geometric solids. Introduce the terms shape, plane, solid, and space. Depending on the level of your students, particularly if this is a review for older students, you may also want to add point, line, dimension, and perspective.
The example storyboard can also be modified and used as a teaching visual, printed out as a "cheat sheet" for students to keep in their notebooks, or used as inspiration for a worksheet where students must define and draw the symbols for each term.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
In this activity, you will illustrate and define terms relating to 2D vs 3D spaces in a storyboard.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the row headers, write the name of the term. You will use "point", "line", "plane", and "perspective".
- Drag a textable down and write the definition of each term.
- In the first column, create an illustration of each term.
- In the second column, provide an example of where this term appears in real life.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
In kindergarten, students learn to identify if a shape or figure is 2D or 3D, “flat” or “solid.” A picture of something will always be flat, but the actual object would be something a child could hold. Solid figures have mass and take up space, while flat figures do not. Show examples of solid figures and paper cut-outs of two-dimensional shapes and have students classify them. Then show solid figures and pictures of solid figures and lead students in a brief discussion on the difference. Many students will already understand the difference between 2D and 3D, but they will have a hard time grasping the “D” part and what it means.
In this activity, students will identify different dimensions and provide examples of where they appear in real life. This will provide them with a better understanding of geometric solids. Introduce the terms shape, plane, solid, and space. Depending on the level of your students, particularly if this is a review for older students, you may also want to add point, line, dimension, and perspective.
The example storyboard can also be modified and used as a teaching visual, printed out as a "cheat sheet" for students to keep in their notebooks, or used as inspiration for a worksheet where students must define and draw the symbols for each term.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
In this activity, you will illustrate and define terms relating to 2D vs 3D spaces in a storyboard.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the row headers, write the name of the term. You will use "point", "line", "plane", and "perspective".
- Drag a textable down and write the definition of each term.
- In the first column, create an illustration of each term.
- In the second column, provide an example of where this term appears in real life.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Geometric Solids: 2D vs. 3D
Organize a hands-on 3D shape scavenger hunt in your classroom
Engage students by having them search for real-life objects that match different 3D shapes. This interactive activity helps students connect geometric terms to familiar items, deepening their understanding through movement and discovery.
Prepare and display labeled examples of common 3D solids
Gather items like a dice (cube), can (cylinder), or ball (sphere) and label them clearly. Students benefit from seeing and touching actual shapes, making abstract concepts more concrete and memorable.
Guide students to sketch and record their findings
Ask students to draw each object they found, label its shape, and describe where they found it. This reinforces shape recognition and helps students practice observation and recording skills.
Lead a class discussion to compare and share discoveries
Encourage students to share their objects and drawings with the class. Discuss similarities and differences between the shapes and how these solids appear in everyday life, reinforcing mathematical vocabulary and critical thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions about Geometric Solids: 2D vs. 3D
What is the difference between 2D and 3D shapes for elementary students?
2D shapes are flat and have only length and width, like a square or circle drawn on paper. 3D shapes are solid, have length, width, and height, and take up space—like a ball, cube, or pyramid you can hold.
How can I teach the concept of geometric solids to young students?
Use real-life objects (blocks, balls, boxes) and paper cut-outs of 2D shapes. Let students touch and compare them to discuss the idea of 'flat' vs. 'solid,' and relate these to the terms shape, plane, solid, and space.
What are some everyday examples of 2D and 3D shapes?
2D examples: drawings, paper squares, or circles. 3D examples: dice (cubes), basketballs (spheres), or cans (cylinders). Use these to help students recognize shapes in the world around them.
Why is it important for students to understand the difference between 2D and 3D shapes?
Recognizing 2D vs. 3D shapes helps students build spatial awareness, supports geometry learning, and connects math to real-world objects, making abstract concepts more meaningful.
What simple classroom activities help students learn about 2D and 3D shapes?
Try sorting objects into 'flat' and 'solid' groups, drawing and labeling examples, or creating a chart with definitions and real-life illustrations. These hands-on activities make the lesson engaging and memorable.
More Storyboard That Activities
Geometric Solids
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