Shapes and cross sections

Shapes and cross sections

Pencil and paper
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Further Resources
This task is about cross-sections of 3-dimensional shapes.
On your recording sheet there are pictures of five 3-dimensional shapes. For each shape you are to:
  1. make a model from plasticine.
  2. draw what you predict the cross-section (dotted line) will look like.
  3. use the knife to cut the cross-section.
  4. compare your prediction and the cross-section you have cut.
  5. show your recording sheet and the cross-section you have cut to your teacher
Complete all the tasks for one shape before starting on the next.
The first one has been done for you.
Task administration: 
This task is completed with pencil and paper, and other equipment.
 
Equipment:
Plasticine; blunt knife; pencil; recording sheet for each student.
  • This task assesses students' ability to predict and cut a cross section for different 3-dimensional shapes.
  • This task is suitable for working with individual students, or with small groups of students.
  • The assessment of this task may be carried out by the teacher, by peer assessment, or by student self-assessment.
  • The teacher reads through the instructions with the student before the student completes the task independently.
Level:
3
Curriculum info: 
Maths, Geometry and Measurement, Shape
Keywords: 
cross-sections, 3-dimensional shapes, drawing
Description of task: 
Students construct 3-dimensional shapes from plasticine and predict what the cross-section will be prior to cutting it.
Learning Progression Frameworks
This resource can provide evidence of learning associated with
Geometric thinking, sets 3-4
within the Mathematics Learning Progressions Frameworks.
Read more about the Learning Progressions Frameworks.
Answers/responses: 
b)

i)
ii)
iii)
iv)

Model moulded correctly.
Prediction drawn.
Cross-section correctly cut.
Prediction and cross-section cut match.
c)

i)
ii)
iii)
iv)

Model moulded correctly.
Prediction drawn.
Cross-section correctly cut.
Prediction and cross-section cut match.
d)

i)
ii)
iii)
iv)

Model moulded correctly.
Prediction drawn.
Cross-section correctly cut.
Prediction and cross-section cut match.
e)

i)
ii)
iii)
iv)

Model moulded correctly.
Prediction drawn.
Cross-section correctly cut.
Prediction and cross-section cut match.