Shape Hunt and 3D Project

Before fall break we wrapped up our shape study and completed our TOP SECRET 3D shape project. I am thrilled to finally share some highlights of both with you! 

We had a lot of fun our shape hunt through the school. We went looking for 3D shapes and found them everywhere! Every time we found a 3D shape, the students tallied it on their 3D shape graph. Here are some of the awesome 3D shapes that we found in some of the most unexpected places.

{tennis ball = sphere}

{play-doh = cylinder}

{storage box = cube}

{globe = sphere}

{dice = cube}

{squishy ball = sphere}

{can = cylinder}

{pencil = cylinder}

{trashcan = rectangular prism}

{gutter pile = cylinder}

{post = rectangular prism}

{cinder block = rectangular prism}

{awning = rectangular prism}

{stumps = cylinders}

{pole = cylinder}

{rain barrels = cylinders}

{garden decoration = sphere}

{pole = cylinder}

. . . . . . .

After the grand shape hunt, we sorted all the recyclable items that you wonderful folks brought by shape. 

Then up-cycled them into a grand project! Our very own African animal. =)

A little back-story: A few weeks prior, we read a story about a safari that incidentally launched a study on the animals native to Africa. We looked at pictures and videos of them, learned about their habitats, and even measures how big they would be standing in our classroom. Of all the animals, 1D was most fascinated by the giraffe - so it’s no accident that it was our source of inspiration for our grand project.

{I should add that this project was entirely student-directed. They chose which shapes to use and were to place them. I was merely in charge of the gluing =)

{PS. We named him Gerald (inspired by the book, Giraffe’s Can’t Dance - a class favorite) then graphed the number of each 3D shape we used to create him.}

. . . . . . .

Parents, I cannot thank you enough for all you help in making this project possible. We could not have made it happen without your incredible response to our crazy request for 3D odds and ends. It was such a success and we have you to thank!