Substrand	Shape and space
Purpose	Predicting shapes Making symmetrical shapes Strategies for investigation Reasoning
CSF level suggested	1–2
Equipment	Worksheet, small paper squares, scissors

The Task

Students were shown a folded piece of paper with a triangle cut across the fold line. The teacher asked them to predict the shape of the cut-out when the paper was unfolded. After some predictions this was checked.

Students were then given a worksheet with several other folded paper diagrams. The sheet included examples using diagonal, horizontal and vertical folds. Students were to draw their prediction of the cut-out shape for each picture, and then use paper and scissors to check by making. After completing the given examples, they were to design and sketch several 'predict-a-shapes' of their own.

Look For

• ability to predict the cut-out shape by describing and drawing
• ability to cope with horizontal and diagonal folds as well as vertical folds
• ability to copy and cut the shape accurately on folded edge
• number and complexity of own designs

James (Year Prep) was able to predict and sketch the shape where the fold was presented vertically. He was unable to correctly predict the shapes where the fold was horizontal or diagonal. His cutting deviated from the shapes shown, and he used a lateral fold for all examples. He did not design any examples of his own. Suggests Level 1 in the substrand.

Tanya (Year Prep) was able to broadly predict and draw nearly all the cut-out shapes by "Seeing the other side." Her cutting was fairly accurate. She self-corrected one of her cut shapes after cutting into the open edges instead of the fold line. She was able to make the lateral folds herself, but needed help with the diagonal fold. She drew and cut a "dog-bone" design of her own. Suggests Level 2 in the substrand.

Joseph (Year 2) was able to predict, draw and cut all the shapes with accuracy. He explained that "You draw one side, then draw the other side the same but turned around." The diagonal fold did not present any difficulty. He then drew and cut three designs of his own: "A lolly bag, an arrow and a curly shape". Suggests Level 2 in the substrand.