Activity Overview
Geometric solids can have all flat surfaces, all curved surfaces, or both flat and curved surfaces. A geometric solid with all flat surfaces is called a polyhedron. Just as there are polygons and non-polygons, there are also polyhedrons and non-polyhedrons. Any geometric solid with at least one curved surface is not a polyhedron. See the storyboard titled Polyhedra as an example of a Frayer Model of information on polyhedrons.
There are many instances of polyhedrons and non-polyhedrons in our everyday life. In this activity, students will identify examples of specific polyhedrons or non-polyhedrons in the world.. Assign different students or groups sphere, cone, cylinder, cube, and rectangular prism. Students can use a spider map or grid to generate examples of geometric solids in the world around us. This activity is helpful for students to see math in the world around them and to identify, but not create, geometric solids. Share at least one completed assignment of every different solid for all students to view. Alternatively, have all students find fewer examples for all solids.
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
Create a spider map that illustrates at least five examples of different polyhedrons or non-polyhedrons in every day life.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- in the center, identify which polyhedron or non-polyhedron you are giving examples of.
- In each cell, create an illustration on where you can find that shape in real life.
- In the title boxes, write the name of the object that has that shape.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Geometric solids can have all flat surfaces, all curved surfaces, or both flat and curved surfaces. A geometric solid with all flat surfaces is called a polyhedron. Just as there are polygons and non-polygons, there are also polyhedrons and non-polyhedrons. Any geometric solid with at least one curved surface is not a polyhedron. See the storyboard titled Polyhedra as an example of a Frayer Model of information on polyhedrons.
There are many instances of polyhedrons and non-polyhedrons in our everyday life. In this activity, students will identify examples of specific polyhedrons or non-polyhedrons in the world.. Assign different students or groups sphere, cone, cylinder, cube, and rectangular prism. Students can use a spider map or grid to generate examples of geometric solids in the world around us. This activity is helpful for students to see math in the world around them and to identify, but not create, geometric solids. Share at least one completed assignment of every different solid for all students to view. Alternatively, have all students find fewer examples for all solids.
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
Create a spider map that illustrates at least five examples of different polyhedrons or non-polyhedrons in every day life.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- in the center, identify which polyhedron or non-polyhedron you are giving examples of.
- In each cell, create an illustration on where you can find that shape in real life.
- In the title boxes, write the name of the object that has that shape.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about ID Common Geometric Solids
Engage students with hands-on geometric solids
Provide students with physical models of geometric solids (such as blocks, 3D printed shapes, or household items). Hands-on exploration helps students better visualize and identify the properties of each solid.
Guide students to classify solids by their properties
Ask students to sort the solids into groups based on flat and curved surfaces. Encourage discussion about what makes a shape a polyhedron or non-polyhedron.
Facilitate a group discussion on real-world examples
Invite students to share examples of geometric solids they find in the classroom or at home. Connect math concepts to everyday life for increased engagement.
Encourage students to create a classroom display
Have students contribute their examples and illustrations to a class bulletin board or digital gallery. Celebrate diverse findings and reinforce geometric vocabulary visually.
Assess understanding with a quick exit ticket
Ask each student to write down one polyhedron and one non-polyhedron they saw or discussed. This quick check helps you gauge learning and plan next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions about ID Common Geometric Solids
What are common geometric solids found in everyday life?
Common geometric solids seen in daily life include spheres (basketballs), cubes (dice), cylinders (cans), cones (ice cream cones), and rectangular prisms (books). These shapes are everywhere and help students connect math to the real world.
How can I teach students to identify polyhedrons and non-polyhedrons?
To teach students to identify polyhedrons (all flat faces) and non-polyhedrons (at least one curved surface), use real-world examples and visual aids like spider maps or Frayer Models. Ask students to sort objects by their surfaces and discuss why each shape fits its category.
What is the difference between a polyhedron and a non-polyhedron?
A polyhedron is a solid with only flat faces (like a cube or rectangular prism), while a non-polyhedron has at least one curved surface (like a sphere, cone, or cylinder). Understanding this difference helps students classify shapes more accurately.
What is a spider map activity for geometric solids?
A spider map activity involves choosing a geometric solid (like a sphere or cube) and creating a web of examples from everyday life. Each branch shows an object shaped like the solid, helping students visualize and remember where they see these shapes around them.
What are some easy classroom activities for teaching geometric solids?
Easy activities include having students sort classroom objects by shape, draw spider maps of solids they find at home, or create photo collages of real-world examples. Assigning each group a different solid keeps lessons engaging and interactive.
More Storyboard That Activities
Geometric Solids
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