Diagram of a model train

Diagram of a model train

Pencil and paper
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Working with Students
Further Resources
This task is about identifying 3-D shapes.
Write down the shape of the blocks that are used for each part of the train below.
 
Diagram-train-model-complete.png
 
 
 
 
 
Diagram-train-model.png
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper.
Level:
3
Curriculum info: 
Maths, Geometry and Measurement, Shape
Keywords: 
3-dimensional shapes
Description of task: 
Students write down the name of the shape of the 3-dimensional blocks that are used for each part on a diagram of a model train.
Answers/responses: 

 

Y6 (11/2001)

Identifying each part as listed below:

  • steam controller – sphere
  • chimney – cuboid (or rectangular prism)
  • front – cone
  • roof – pyramid
  • cab – cube
  • body – cylinder
  • wheel – cylinder (or disc)

 
 
moderate
difficult
easy
moderate
easy
easy
moderate
Diagnostic and formative information: 
Common errors Likely miscalculation

Names shapes as "3-D square" for cube, "3-D circle" for sphere.

 Does not know shape name but recognises it as a 3-dimensional shape.

Steam controller – 32% of students answered circle.
Chimney – 54% of students answered rectangle/oblong.
Front – 9% of students answered triangle.
Roof – 15% of students answered triangle.
Cab – 15% of students answered square.
Wheel – 4% of students answered circle.

 Gives name of 2-dimensional shape rather than 3-dimensional shape.
Roof – 10% of students answered triangular prism. Confuses prisms and pyramids.