Popsicle sticks
Play dough (or modeling clay)
Marshmallows (or gumdrops)
Toothpicks
Labels and markers (optional)
Shape templates or reference images (optional)
Chart paper or construction paper (for displaying shapes)
Introduction (5 minutes):
Discuss basic 3D geometric shapes such as cubes, pyramids, and prisms.
Explain the activity: students will use popsicle sticks and play dough, or marshmallows and toothpicks, to construct these shapes.
Demonstration (5 minutes):
Show students how to connect popsicle sticks with play dough or marshmallows with toothpicks to form a simple 3D shape, such as a cube.
Explain that the popsicle sticks or toothpicks will act as the edges and the play dough or marshmallows will act as the vertices (corners) of the shapes.
Constructing Shapes (15 minutes):
Distribute materials to each student or group of students.
Provide shape templates or reference images if desired, or encourage students to create the shapes based on their knowledge.
Have students start with simpler shapes like cubes and pyramids, then progress to more complex shapes like rectangular prisms and tetrahedrons.
Shape Identification and Discussion (10 minutes):
After constructing the shapes, have students identify and name each shape.
Discuss the properties of each shape, such as the number of faces, edges, and vertices.
Creative Play and Extension (10 minutes):
Encourage students to use their materials to create their own designs or more complex 3D shapes.
Allow students to work in pairs or small groups to build larger structures or combine shapes to form new ones.
Display and Sharing (10 minutes):
Have students place their completed shapes on chart paper or construction paper for display.
Allow students to share their creations with the class, explaining how they constructed each shape.
Reflection and Learning Points (5 minutes):
Reflect on the activity by discussing what students learned about 3D shapes and the process of building them.
Highlight the importance of teamwork and creativity in constructing 3D shapes.
Conclusion:
Emphasize the importance of recognizing and understanding 3D shapes in everyday life.
Celebrate the students’ creativity and efforts in constructing their shapes with popsicle sticks and play dough or marshmallows and toothpicks.