Substrand	Shape and space
Purpose	Describing shapes Making and drawing shapes Reasoning
CSF level suggested	1–2
Equipment	Toothpicks or meat skewers of two different lengths, blutack or frozen peas for joining, rulers

The Task

Each student was given about twenty toothpicks of two lengths. They were encouraged to make shapes using the toothpicks. All shapes were to be closed. Students were to sketch, name and describe each shape that they made. They were allowed to use rulers to help draw the shapes.

After some time making and drawing two-dimensional shapes, students were given some blutack for joining the toothpicks and asked to make a standing up (three-dimensional) shape. Again they were asked to sketch, name and describe their shape.

Look For

• number and variety of shapes made
• ability to name and describe shapes using spatial language
• accuracy of sketches, especially with irregular and three-dimensional shapes
• ability to build a three-dimensional skeleton

Karen (Year Prep) made three different flat shapes. She correctly named these as a square, a triangle and a rectangle. She had difficulty using the ruler so drew the shapes freehand. She was able to count the sides of each shape and recorded these. No three-dimensional shapes were attempted. Suggests Level 1 performance in the substrand.

Natalie (Year Prep) made a square and a rectangle. She was able to write the names of the shapes, record the number of sides and use the ruler reasonably well to draw these. She also made a five-pointed star but had difficulty drawing this and counting the sides. Her standing shape was a triangle made to stand on one side (two-dimensional). Suggests Level 2 performance in the substrand.

Mandy (Year 1) made three regular shapes (square, rectangle, diamond). She also made a 'glass' shape (concave hexagon in the shape of a wineglass). She was able to name and count the sides of all the two-dimensional shapes, and used the ruler efficiently. Her standing shape had depth (a triangular pyramid), though she incorrectly called this a cone. Suggests Level 2 performance in the substrand.

Yvette (Year 2) made five different flat shapes. She was able to draw, name and describe the number of sides and corners for each shape. She built 'a pyramid' for her three-dimensional shape (square pyramid) and could describe the edges and corners. She forgot to count the base as a 'side' (face) but made a good attempt at an oblique drawing. Suggests Level 3 performance in the substrand.