Activity 1: The Shape of Things

In this activity, children will focus on the many shapes that are found in both natural and built environments.

Help Kids Find Shapes

First, have children create “shape necklaces” (or bracelets) by cutting out circles, squares, triangles, rectangles, ovals, and hearts from different colored construction paper. Have children write the shape names on thecutouts and punch a hole in each. Thread a piece of string or pipe cleaner through each shape so that it forms a loop fitting easily over a child’s head or loosely on their wrist.

Then, head outside to investigate:

• What is your favorite shape? Challenge children to find it in nature.
• Ask children to find objects the same shape and color as the ones ontheir necklaces.
• Play the “I Spy” guessing game: “I spy something shaped like a_______. Can you find it?”
• Hold up each shape and have children name all the outdoor itemsthey can find to match.

The Chinese Tangram Puzzle

Once back inside, introduce children to the Chinese Tangram puzzle. The puzzle is made of seven geometric pieces: five triangles, one square, and one parallelogram. The pieces can be arranged to create different objects, including people, animals, flowers, boats, and more.

Use the tangram template shown here to copy and cut your own puzzle pieces out of paper, cardboard, or wood, and then work together to see what new objects you can create!