'2D shapes' tutor notes

This module is about how to work with 2D shapes. It is aimed at Level 1 of the Basic Skills Curriculum in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and covers material in MSS2/L1.1. It covers regular shapes, tessellation, symmetry and also touches on plans drawn on squared paper.

We'd love to hear your comments on the module. Do you like the factsheets? What do you think of the worksheets? Send in your own and your students' feedback to skillswise.feedback@bbc.co.uk.

How does this tie in with the new curriculums?

• England
  MSS2/L1.1 - Solve problems using the mathematical properties of regular 2D shapes (e.g. tessellation or symmetry).
  
• Wales
  As England.
• Northern Ireland
  As England.
• Scotland
  See www.aloscotland.com for details of the Scottish curriculum.

In the Skillswise module you'll find:

2D shapes factsheets
You'll find curriculum references in the top right corner of the factsheets.
There are five factsheets for this module, each on 'print-out-and-keep' sheets:

• Factsheet 1 - Regular shapes
• Factsheet 2 - Further examples
• Factsheet 3 - Combining shapes
• Factsheet 4 - Using symmetry
• Factsheet 5 - Drawing and using floor plans.

2D shapes worksheets
There are five worksheets. You'll find curriculum references in the top right hand corner of the worksheets. They are printable resources to carry on the work learners have completed.

• Worksheet 1 - Regular shapes
• Worksheet 2 - Further examples
• Worksheet 3 - Combining shapes
• Worksheet 4 - Using symmetry
• Worksheet 5 - Drawing and using floor plans.

2D shapes quiz
The quiz has questions on 2D shapes.

The learner can choose their level. Level A is the easiest and level C the hardest.
Students can print out a certificate if they score 50% or more in the quiz. This will appear as a link on the results page - click on the link and the certificate will appear in a new window. Students can write their name on the certificate once it's printed.

Technical help:

If you are new to the web, why not try the BBC WebWise online course, Becoming WebWise? It's free, you can do it in your own time from any computer and it will take you through everything you need to know to use the web successfully in your teaching.
Find out more about WebWise.

You can find out more about the technical requirements for Skillswise in our Help - Technical Information section.

Taking it further:

With Skillswise

• Area of rectangles This module contains factsheets and worksheets on calculating the area of rectangles.
  
• Working out perimeters This module contains factsheets and worksheets on calculating simple perimeters.
  

On the web
Here are other places on the web you might find useful for teaching 2D shapes:

• http://www.sflqi.org.uk/materials/pd_elements/02_02_04/finaloutput.htm
  This material reviews concepts and effective teaching strategies in relation to shape and space. Based on the National Numeracy Strategy, it highlights the properties of shape and positional vocabulary with emphasis placed on the development of mathematical language and the use and application of skills.
• http://www.bodmin.lil.clara.net/resources.html#E2Shapes/
  Bodmin Link into Learning is one of 30 centres in Cornwall that provide free online resources mapped against the curriculum. Find some numeracy worksheets here on 2D shapes.
• http://www.skillsworkshop.org/mss1.htm#Shape%20and%20Space%20-%20Level%201
  One of our favourite websites! The Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre for students and tutors continues to offer over 300 free Skills for Life resources.

Please note that the BBC is not responsible for the content of other websites.

Do you know of any great online resources for 2D shapes? Tell us about them!