Shape Features Exploration

Year Level

Year 4

Duration

45 minutes

Curriculum Alignment

Australian Curriculum v9 - Mathematics

• Content Descriptor: AC9M4SP01
• Content Description: Identify, describe and classify two-dimensional shapes by their geometric features and properties, such as types of angles, parallel and perpendicular sides, and symmetry
• General Capabilities: Critical and creative thinking; Numeracy; Personal and social capability
• Proficiencies: Understanding, Fluency, Problem Solving, Reasoning

WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Identify common 2D shapes
• Describe features of 2D shapes including number of sides, length of sides, types of angles, parallel and perpendicular lines
• Solve real-world problems involving 2D shapes

Success Criteria

• I can name common 2D shapes (triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, circle)
• I can describe and compare the features of these shapes using correct vocabulary
• I can identify shapes in real-world objects and explain their features
• I can solve simple problems that involve identifying and classifying 2D shapes

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Resources Required

• Sets of shape cut-outs (various 2D shapes)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Grid paper and rulers for drawing
• Protractors for measuring angles
• Worksheet with worked examples and real-world problem tasks
• Items from the classroom or pictures showing objects with clear shapes (e.g., windows, signs, clocks)
• Interactive digital shape tool (optional)

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Lesson Outline

1. Introduction & Explicit Teaching (10 minutes)

• Begin with a quick discussion: "What shapes do you see around you in the classroom?" Capture examples on the board.
• Use shape cut-outs to display common 2D shapes. Invite students to name each shape.
• Explicitly teach vocabulary: side, vertex (corner), angle, right angle, acute angle, obtuse angle, parallel sides, perpendicular sides, equal sides.
• Demonstrate describing a shape clearly (e.g., "A rectangle has four sides, opposite sides are parallel and equal, and it has four right angles").
• Use a protractor to show different types of angles on shapes.

2. Worked Examples Together (10 minutes)

• Show 2D shapes one at a time and describe their features aloud, modelling how to list the number of sides, types of angles, and any parallel or perpendicular sides.
• Draw attention to shape properties — e.g., "This hexagon has six sides," "This triangle has one right angle," etc.
• Ask students to help identify properties as you present shapes.
• Complete a worked example on the board with the class where they identify and classify a shape and compare it to another shape.

3. Hands-on Collaborative Activity: Sorting & Classifying (10 minutes)

• In small groups, give students sets of shape cut-outs or printed shapes.
• Ask them to sort shapes based on a particular feature (e.g., number of sides, types of angles, presence of parallel sides).
• Encourage groups to discuss and explain their sorting criteria to each other.
• Circulate to support and prompt student reasoning about why they grouped shapes as they did.

4. Real-World Problem Solving (10 minutes)

• Present real-world images or objects, e.g., the shape of a road sign, tiles, windows, or a clock face.
• Ask, "What 2D shape is this? What features can you identify?"
• Provide a worksheet with 2-3 real-world scenarios where students must identify shapes and describe features, e.g., "The garden path is shaped like a rectangle. How many sides does it have? Are opposite sides parallel?"
• Students work individually or in pairs to complete the problems, using rulers and protractors where helpful.

5. Wrap-up & Reflection (5 minutes)

• Invite students to share one new thing they learned about shapes.
• Revisit the WALT and success criteria, asking students to self-assess their learning.
• Provide positive feedback highlighting engagement and effort.

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Differentiation

• For Students Needing Support:

  • Provide shape stencils to trace and highlight features with different coloured pencils.
  • Use concrete objects (blocks or shapes) for tactile exploration before abstract drawing.
  • Pair with a buddy for group activities to support verbal articulation and confidence.

• For Advanced Learners:

  • Challenge to identify irregular 2D shapes or classify shapes by multiple criteria simultaneously.
  • Introduce concepts of symmetry and ask them to find lines of symmetry in shapes.
  • Ask students to create their own real-world shape problem and explain it to the class.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observe student participation and reasoning during group sorting and real-world problem activities.
• Review completed worksheets for correct identification and description of shape features.
• Use questioning during recap to assess understanding of geometric vocabulary and shape properties.

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Additional Notes

• Connect to cross-curriculum priorities by exploring First Nations Australian art that uses geometric shapes and patterns, encouraging students to notice shape use in culture and environment.
• Use technology optionally to simulate shape manipulation digitally, keeping lessons engaging and hands-on.

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This plan aligns closely with the Australian Curriculum (v9) for Year 4 Mathematics, specifically content descriptor AC9M4SP01, focusing on students describing and classifying 2D shapes by their features with explicit teaching, worked examples, and real-world contextual problems to ensure deep understanding and engagement .