Activity Overview
In the storyboard above, Derek travels all over his town and his home. On his travels, he finds many different objects that look suspiciously like cones, cubes, prisms, spheres, cylinders, and pyramids. Have students identify the object and geometric solid it resembles. Notice that some of the pictures show skeletal “solids” or are not true mathematical figures because of rounded edges or vertices. Examples are not perfect, but students can get an idea and recognize shapes and solids around them. Every picture has at least one solid that is easily recognized. There are also figures that are stacked, combined, or repeated. Have your students look very carefully!
Then, have students create their own storyboard where they or Derek travel to other places and see different geometric solids. Assign a certain number of composite shapes to each storyboard or each cell. Students may not recognize the pentagonal prism of the house, but may instead recognize a triangular prism on top of a rectangular prism. If there is an object that they want to include in their storyboard but cannot find, perhaps they can make it with different shapes and figures!
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 storyboard where you or another character visit different types of places. In these places, add objects that are geometric solids (like spheres, cubes, and prisms).
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In each cell, create an illustration of Derek or yourself in a different location. Think about what types of items might appear in that place and add them.
- In the description box, identify the different shapes and where they are in the image.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
In the storyboard above, Derek travels all over his town and his home. On his travels, he finds many different objects that look suspiciously like cones, cubes, prisms, spheres, cylinders, and pyramids. Have students identify the object and geometric solid it resembles. Notice that some of the pictures show skeletal “solids” or are not true mathematical figures because of rounded edges or vertices. Examples are not perfect, but students can get an idea and recognize shapes and solids around them. Every picture has at least one solid that is easily recognized. There are also figures that are stacked, combined, or repeated. Have your students look very carefully!
Then, have students create their own storyboard where they or Derek travel to other places and see different geometric solids. Assign a certain number of composite shapes to each storyboard or each cell. Students may not recognize the pentagonal prism of the house, but may instead recognize a triangular prism on top of a rectangular prism. If there is an object that they want to include in their storyboard but cannot find, perhaps they can make it with different shapes and figures!
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 storyboard where you or another character visit different types of places. In these places, add objects that are geometric solids (like spheres, cubes, and prisms).
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In each cell, create an illustration of Derek or yourself in a different location. Think about what types of items might appear in that place and add them.
- In the description box, identify the different shapes and where they are in the image.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Composite Shapes in the World
Incorporate hands-on manipulatives for exploring composite shapes
Bring real-world objects like blocks, cans, and balls to class for students to touch and examine. Handling physical shapes helps students connect abstract concepts to tangible examples found in their everyday lives.
Guide students to break down complex objects into simpler shapes
Encourage students to analyze everyday items by identifying and naming each simple solid that makes up a composite object. This strategy strengthens their geometric vocabulary and visualization skills.
Facilitate group discussions about shape combinations in familiar places
Lead a conversation where students describe objects they see at home, school, or outdoors and share how those objects are built from multiple shapes. This promotes collaboration and deeper understanding of composite structures.
Assign a creative challenge to build new objects using geometric solids
Have students design and draw their own complex objects or structures by combining basic shapes. This encourages creativity and reinforces their understanding of how geometric solids form composite figures.
Assess understanding with a quick exit ticket activity
Ask students to sketch an object they saw today and label the geometric solids it contains. This provides immediate feedback on their ability to identify and decompose composite shapes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Composite Shapes in the World
What are composite shapes in real life?
Composite shapes in real life are objects made by combining two or more basic geometric solids, such as cubes, cylinders, cones, and prisms. Everyday items like houses, playground equipment, and furniture often resemble these combined shapes.
How can I help students identify geometric solids in their environment?
Encourage students to observe objects around them and compare them to basic geometric solids like spheres or prisms. Ask them to describe which shapes they see and where they appear, even if the objects aren’t perfect mathematical models.
What is a fun classroom activity for teaching composite shapes?
Have students create a storyboard where a character visits different places and discovers objects made from geometric solids. Students can illustrate each scene and label the shapes they find, making learning interactive and creative.
Why do some objects not look like perfect geometric solids?
Many real-world objects have rounded edges, curved surfaces, or imperfections that make them different from perfect mathematical shapes. Recognizing these similarities still helps students build spatial awareness and relate math to their surroundings.
How can students make their own composite shape models if they can't find examples?
Students can create models by combining basic shapes like cubes, cones, and prisms with art supplies or digital tools. This hands-on approach reinforces understanding of how composite shapes form from simpler solids.
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