Grades 2-3: Math
Math: Solid Shape Connection
Use this hands-on approach to teach, reinforce, and assess student knowledge of solid shapes!
Time Needed: 15 minutes
Grades: 2-3
Supplies Needed:

Elmer’s® 20” x 30” Foam Board

Elmer’s® Washable White School Glue

pictures of solid shapes (cylinder, cone, cube, rectangular prism, square pyramid, sphere)

6 strands of yarn (lengths to be determined when project is complete)

6 medium-size pom-poms

scissors
Instructions
1. Place the board in a vertical position. List the following information on the left side of the board.
cylinder
cone
cube
rectangular prism
square pyramid
sphere
2 faces
1 face
6 faces
6 faces
5 faces
0 faces
0 corners
0 corners
8 corners
8 corners
5 corners
0 corners
0 edges
0 edges
12 edges
12 edges
8 edges
0 edges
2. Use the Elmer’s Washable White School Glue to randomly attach the pictures of the solid shapes
to the right side of the board.
3. Glue a pom-pom alongside each picture.
4. Cut appropriate-size lengths of yarn to lead from each shape name to the corresponding picture,
leaving extra yarn to wrap around the pom-pom. Glue one end of each strand near the appropriate
description and leave the remaining end unglued.
5. Have a student choose a shape name, read its description, and then find the picture of the
corresponding solid shape. After confirming the shape is correct, have the student loosely wrap the
yarn around the pom-pom beside that picture. If desired, provide an answer key on the back of the
board.
Teaching Tips:

Use as a center activity, partner activity, or for individual instruction.

Use to teach, reinforce, and assess student knowledge of solid shapes.

Provide real solid shapes and have students match them to each picture.

Cover each description with paper. Ask a student to choose a shape and tell how many faces,
corners, and edges it has. Uncover the description to see if the student’s answers are accurate.

Assign groups of students a specific solid shape. Instruct each group to search the room and write
down the names of items that are the designated shape. Have each group share its findings.