Discuss the characteristics of basic shapes with your students, a triangle, a square and a circle for example. Explain to students that these shapes are flat, making them two-dimensional.
Explain to students that shapes can also have depth and be more life-like, meaning they are three-dimensional. Discuss the characteristics of some basic three-dimensional shapes -- a cone, a sphere and a cube, for example.
Provide students with clay. After discussing each three-dimensional shape, model how to make them with the clay. Encourage students to use their clay to make their own models of three-dimensional shapes.
Draw two-dimensional shapes on paper and ask students to compare the images of the two-dimensional shapes with the models of the three-dimensional shapes.
Gather a collection of items that illustrate different three-dimensional shapes. For example, a ball for a sphere, a can for a cylinder and a box for a cube.
Show each of the items to your students and ask them to tell you the name of each item. After they have stated the names -- ball, can and box, explain to them that these items are also three-dimensional shapes. Provide the name of each of the three-dimensional shapes.
Explain to students that three-dimensional shapes are all around us. Provide students with a piece of paper and a pencil. Encourage them to look around the room for items that are three-dimensional shapes. Upon finding items, they should write them down.
Invite students to share their lists of three-dimensional items. Compare and contrast the lists. Ask students to think of items in their homes or in the grocery store that are three-dimensional shapes.