We just wrapped up my absolute favorite unit to teach—geometry. Today I’m sharing some free apps and activities we used for practicing 2D and 3D shape concepts.
Cyberchase Shape Quest is a free app that has three different activities included. Patch the Path, which uses 3D augmented reality, was my students’ favorite. They need to use spatial memory, visualization and modeling skills to “patch” the path so the animals can get across.
For the Hide and Seek game, students must uncover the specified geometric shapes to find their animal friends. It’s great practice for geometry vocabulary as well as number of sides, right angles, etc.
For Feed the Critters, students use spatial reasoning to flick food to the hungry critters.
Cyberchase 3D Builder is another free app that helps students understand how 3D shapes are made from simple 2D shapes.
Another amazing free app we used was Geoboard by The Math Learning Company. We used this virtual geoboard to practice our basic shapes and then I projected various designs onto my Apple TV for my kids to try.
Since geometry is so easily applicable to the real world, we went on a shape hunt around the school and outside the building. When we got back to the classroom, my students compiled their pictures into collages using the free app Pic Collage. Here’s one of the finished products.
Of course I had to throw some QR codes into the mix for this unit. My kids had a blast with these QR code geometry centers.
They also completed this 2D shape QR code scavenger hunt around the classroom. Each time they scanned a QR code on a phone, it led them to the next shape.
And finally, we completed some self-checking 2D and 3D shape QR code task cards, which are now available in a digital/paperless version. Check them out HERE.
Want more app recommendations? Click on any of the images below to check out dozens of apps reviewed by yours truly.:)
