Explore 3D shapes cross sections with a hands-on task card activity that encourages students to build, slice, predict and record the cross section of a 3D shape using playdough models.
3D Shapes Cross Sections Through Hands-On Investigation
Understanding 3D shapes cross sections can be challenging because students need to visualise what happens inside a three-dimensional object. This engaging resource makes the concept concrete by giving students opportunities to predict, build and investigate a variety of 3D figures before identifying the resulting cross-sections.
The resource includes a set of task cards, a playdough building mat and a student recording sheet that guide learners through the investigation process. Students read each task card, predict the cross section of a 3D shape, build the model using playdough, then carefully “slice” it to observe and record the resulting 2D shape.
Included in this resource are:
- 12 cross-section task cards
- A reusable playdough building mat
- A student recording sheet for predictions and observations
- A teacher answer key
By combining mathematical reasoning with tactile learning, this resource helps students develop a deeper understanding of cross sections while staying actively engaged in the learning process.
Creative Ways to Explore Cross Sections in the Classroom
This resource can be used in a variety of engaging ways:
- Playdough Investigation Station – Students build each 3D object on the included building mat, predict the outcome and create a cross section of a 3D shape to test their thinking.
- STEM Challenge Activity – Encourage students to work through the task cards like engineers, analysing how different slices create different cross sections.
- Maths Gallery Walk – Have students display their completed recording sheets and compare the cross section of a 3D figure produced from different solids.
Download This Cross Section of a 3D Figure Activity
This resource is available as a ready-to-download PDF and an editable Google Slides version. Simply download, print and provide students with playdough to begin exploring cross sections through hands-on learning.
Please note that you will be prompted to make your own copy of the Google Slides file before editing.
This resource was created by Alyssa Peterson, a TeachStarter collaborator.
More 3D Shapes Cross Sections Resources
Discover more activities, task cards and investigations for teaching 3D shapes cross sections below.
Learn about right prisms and their cross-sections with this informative classroom poster. Learn about right prisms and their cross-sections with this digital ‘mystery picture’ game. Explore right prisms and their cross-sections with this set of task cards.
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