2D and 3D Playgrounds

Description: To integrate project based learning with a study of 2D and 3D shapes, students will
build a playground model. Kindergarten students will build a 2D model with paper and a 3D
model with magnetic shapes (Magformers).

Target grade level: Kindergarten, including general education, ELL and special education
students. The SBCEO funds will benefit the class by providing enough Magformers for all
students to participate in a meaningful way.

Project Outcome:
1. Students will name and describe 2D (circle, square, rectangle, triangle, hexagon) and 3D
shapes (cone, sphere, cube, cone).
2. Students will manipulate 2D shapes to build 3D shapes.
3. Students will communicate effectively with a partner to build a visual representation of a
playground.
4. Students will participate in project based learning.

Time Required: 4 lessons, 50 minutes each

Common Core Standards Addressed:

1. KG2 Correctly name shapes regardless of their orientations or overall size.
2. KG3 Identify shapes as 2D or 3D.
3. KG4 Analyze and compare 2D and 3D shapes in different size and orientation, using
informal language to describe their similarities and differences, parts and other attributes.
4. KG5 Model shapes in the world by building shapes from components and drawing
shapes.
5. KG6 Compose simple shapes to form larger shapes.
You-tube resources:
The Shape Song #1, #2 (by Super Simple Songs)
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+shape+song+%231
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+shape+song+%232
Shape Song (by Kids TV)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQqru--4aJU
3D shapes (by Jack Hartman)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPZegz690Mg
3D shapes song (by the Singing Walrus)
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=3D+shapes+singing+walrus

Lesson One: (50 minutes)

10 minutes- Tour the school playground that we use for recess. Ask students to describe the
shapes they see that were used to build the playground and what they like the best about the
playground (slide? swings? tunnels? Rock wall?)
10 minutes- Read the book Playground Shapes from the McGraw-Hill math program. Discuss
the shapes used in the book to build the playground and compare similarities and differences
with our own playground at school.

20 minutes- Using pre-cut shapes (circle, rectangle, triangle, square, and hexagon), students will
work with a partner to create a visual representation of the playground in the book.
10 minutes- Sing along with You-Tube: The Shape Songs #1 and #2, and Shape Song.
Materials:
Playground Shapes book
Pre-cut 4-inch shapes (circle, rectangle, triangle, square, hexagon) of various colors
11x18 white construction paper
Computer, projector with internet access

Lesson Two: (50 minutes)

10 minutes- Sing along with You-Tube: The Shape Songs #1 and #2, and Shape Song.
20 minutes- Students will work with a partner to design a playground and glue down the shapes
to record their design. It should contain at least one slide, one ladder, and one roof.

20 minutes- Students will share their design with the class orally before we go on tour to other
classes to share our designs. When students do on tour they will share their project with
students of a different grade level. The repeated opportunities to share their projects will build
confidence in presenting and describing their project. Make sure to share with the office staff
too- they always love to see student projects!

Materials:
Pre-cut 4-inch shapes (circle, rectangle, triangle, square, hexagon) of various colors
11x18 white construction paper
Computer, projector with internet access
Glue sticks
Lesson Three: (50 minutes)
10 minutes- Playgrounds are fun but can we go inside the flat one on paper that we designed?
No, the shapes are flat. We can call the Transformers to help us out to change our flat shapes
into 3D shapes. Demonstrate (with enthusiasm!) how to change a square into a cube, how to
change a circle into a sphere or cone, how to change a triangle into a pyramid, and how to
change a rectangle into a rectangular prism.
30 minutes- provide pairs of students with 2D shapes (circle, rectangle, square, and triangle) and
3D shapes (cone, cube, cylinder and sphere) along with a white board. Show them how to create
an incline ramp and ask: which shapes can roll? Which shapes can slide? Which shapes can
stack? Record the findings on a large piece of paper.

10 minutes- Sing along with You-tube: 3D shape songs.

Materials:
Computer, projector with internet access
2D shapes (plastic/ wood): 1 set for each pair of students
3D shapes (plastic/ wood/ foam): 1 set for each pair of students
Small white boards: 1 for each pair of students
One large piece of white construction paper
Lesson Four: (50 minutes)
10 minutes- Sing along with You-tube: 3D shape songs.
40 minutes- Students will work with a partner to create a 3D playground out of Magformers. It
should have at least one ladder, one slide, and one roof. Third grade students from another class
with come to judge the projects and present their findings.

Materials:
Computer, projector with internet access
Magformers (or other materials for building 3D shapes)
Assessment sheet with criteria for judging the projects: (below)

Name____________________________________________

Contains at least one ladder

Contains at least one slide

Contains at least one roof

Kindergarten student is able to tell you about the playground

Kindergarten student is able to name the 3D shapes used for the playground structure