Geometry is one of my favorite units to teach! There are so many opportunities to get crafty and creative! These engaging geometry projects, games, and worksheets will have your students classifying 2D shapes in no time! These are the best geometry activities for elementary students.
Geo-ART-metry
I almost always start my geometry unit with some geo-art-metry! Once we’ve learned the basic vocabulary of different lines and angles, I have students use this knowledge to create art using strips of paper on black construction paper! They create a key to demonstrate their understanding of each geometric vocabulary term.
Geometry Scavenger Hunt
Looking for another way to practice important geometry vocab? Go on a scavenger hunt around the classroom or school. Students will love looking for different types of angles and parallel lines around the room! I love to do this one using Seesaw. Here is a link to the Seesaw activity.
Hello my name is…
After learning geometric vocabulary, we usually move onto classifying polygons, specifically triangles and quadrilaterals. The absolute best activity I’ve found to introduce the idea that polygons can have lots of names is the “Hello my name is…” activity from Kori at True Tales of a Teacher.
We start with the broadest name tag “Polygon.” If the shape matches the rules for being a polygon, we tape the name tag to the shape. Students must justify why they think the name tag belongs to that shape. “This is a polygon because it has straight sides, it’s closed, and it’s flat.” These words and definitions need to be coming out of students mouths and not just our own. We move on to more specific names such as triangle and quadrilateral. And then to even more specific names like acute triangle, rectangle, and square. Again, having students justify why the shape belongs in that category. Students’ minds are blown every year when they realize a square has so many names!
Another thing I’ve added these past couple years is using socks to help students better understand “pairs” of parallel lines, similar to pairs of socks. You need two to make a pair! But two parallel lines is not the same as two pairs of parallel lines. Say that 10 times fast!
Geometry Math Maze
Once students have practiced classifying figures with us, they need a way to practice these skills on their own or with a partner. Mazes are one of my favorite ways for students to practice skills because they don’t even realize they are working and doing math! Win, win! This geometric vocabulary maze and classifying 2D shapes maze are great to use as a station for partner or independent practice.
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- Geometric Vocabulary Maze 1
- Geometry Maze 2 (members only)
- Geometry Maze 3 (members only)
- Classifying 2D Shapes (members only)
- Classifying Triangles (members only)
Chatterpix
Getting crafty once again; this is another great geometry activity to use with your elementary students. Have students create shape characters and bring them to life using Chatterpix!
Polygon Capture
Polygon capture is a FREE game that is fun to use as a station or an extension activity. This game is a great challenge once your learners are firm in their geometry skills! It is open ended, provides lots of opportunity for higher level thinking, and chances for students to use geometric vocabulary.
Any other amazing geometry activities for elementary students to share??? Drop them below and let us know!
