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Shape Classification Activity

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Shape Classification Activity

Nathan, Aisha and Tevita are checking the shapes they spot on a mountain hike. Use geometric properties—not just how a shape looks—to classify them. For 3D objects, a face means a flat surface; curved surfaces are counted separately.

Sort the evidence

Classify each description. Choose a named category and give the property that proves it fits.

1.A trail marker has four sides, opposite sides equal and parallel, and four right angles. Its adjacent sides have different lengths. What is its most specific name?

2.A sign has five straight sides and five vertices. Classify it by its number of sides.

3.Which statement must be true of every polygon?

It has a curved boundary.
It is a closed 2D shape made from straight line segments.
It has exactly four sides.
It has equal sides.

Build a property profile

Use precise geometry vocabulary. Count edges, vertices and flat faces for solids.

4.A cube-shaped buckle is a polyhedron. How many flat faces, edges and vertices does it have?

5.A rectangular prism-shaped lunch container has six rectangular faces. How many edges and vertices does it have?

6.A water bottle is modelled as a cylinder. State its number of flat faces, curved surfaces and curved edges.

7.True or false: Every square is a rectangle, but not every rectangle is a square. Explain using side and angle properties.

Compare and reason

A shape can belong to more than one category. Explain your choices with properties.

8.Match each solid to its description: A. sphere; B. triangular prism; C. square-based pyramid. 1. Two triangular faces and three rectangular faces; 2. One curved surface and no vertices; 3. One square face and four triangular faces.

A. Sphere
B. Triangular prism
C. Square-based pyramid

1. Two triangular faces and three rectangular faces
3. One square face and four triangular faces
2. One curved surface and no vertices

9.A triangular prism has two triangular ends and three rectangular side faces. Find its total number of faces, edges and vertices.

10.A hiker says, “A shape with four sides must be a square.” Give one counterexample and state a property that shows it is not a square.

11.Complete the classification: a closed 2D shape with six straight sides is a ; the meeting point of two sides is a .

12.Design a mountain-trail sign that is a quadrilateral but not a rectangle. Describe or draw it, then name one property that proves your classification.