Unit Plan 23 (Grade 1 Math): 3D Shapes—Identify & Model

Focus: Identify, name, and build common 3D shapes—cube, cone, cylinder, sphere—using real objects and manipulatives; explain defining attributes and how the shapes roll/slide/stack.

Grade Level: 1

Subject Area: Mathematics (Geometry)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students explore three-dimensional (3D) shapes they see every day (dice, cans, balls, ice-cream cones). They learn to identify, name, and build cubes, cones, cylinders, and spheres, and describe what makes each shape what it is (its defining attributes) using hands-on tools.

Essential Questions

• What makes a cube, cone, cylinder, or sphere that shape?
• How can I build a 3D shape and explain its parts?
• Which shapes roll, which slide, and which can stack—and why?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Identify and name cube, cone, cylinder, sphere in classroom/real-world examples.
2. Describe defining attributes (e.g., flat faces, curved surface, corners/vertices) using student-friendly language.
3. Build models with blocks/clay and match them to real objects; explain how the parts make the whole.
4. Test and record whether shapes roll, slide, and/or stack and explain why using attributes.
5. Use mathematical tools (manipulatives, charts) strategically to show and tell their thinking (MP.5).

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 1 (threaded across the unit)

• 1.G.1: Distinguish between defining vs non-defining attributes; build shapes to possess defining attributes.
• Mathematical Practices: MP.5 emphasized (use tools strategically); MP.6/MP.7 threaded (precision/structure).

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can point to and name a cube, cone, cylinder, and sphere in our room.
• I can tell a shape’s defining attributes (for example, “A cube has flat square faces and corners”).
• I can show if a shape rolls/slides/stacks and explain why using its faces and curves.