Shapes are everywhere, and teaching young students to recognize different shapes and the functions of those shapes is important. Exploring shapes can be done by simply making pictures of objects from foam shapes or drawing a shape on paper and turning it into an object. For example each student could pick a shape from a hat, trace that shape on paper and draw a picture from that shape. Geometry activities about shapes can also include a class project like building a geometric model home. These activities are for lower grades, K through second grades.
Knowing how to calculate the area or circumference of something is important for students to learn. For example, if they want to fence in a yard as an adult, they will need to determine the number of boards or wire fencing they will need. If they want to carpet a room, knowing how many square yards of carpet to purchase is necessary. Students can learn the basics by measuring items like desks, classrooms and even playgrounds to calculate the area and circumference of different things. Students need to have knowledge of multiplication before they can start calculating area and circumference so this activity is geared toward upper grades, fourth through sixth grades.
Taking geometry to a higher level in architecture can be a challenge for elementary students. So start simple by having them make plans for a basic home or room floor plan, and then compare it to their current home or room. Show them how much basic area they will need for rooms, doorways and hallways. This activity can show students how big or small a room should be for different uses and keep them thinking about their surroundings. It can also spark imagination and encourage some students to study architecture in the future. Because of the ability to make this activity as simple or as detailed as the teacher would like it can be done by any elementary grade level.
Taking geometry to the next level in three dimensions shows students how shapes, angles and curves are everywhere. Having the students learn these and recognize them is as easy as having them point out different 3-D shapes in and around the classroom. A group activity can involve groups competing for who can find the most 3-D shapes in a given area or a scavenger hunt. Comparing how much liquid different 3-D shapes can hold will teach students some of the optical illusions created by shapes. This activity takes the student from a two dimensional drawing on paper to the real world of three dimensional objects. Depending on the simplicity or the difficulty this activity can be done by all elementary grade levels.