CHAPTER 3: GEOMETRY
Geometry is a branch of mathematics that deals with the study of shapes, sizes, positions, and properties of
space. In the primary grades, geometry helps children recognize, describe, compare, and classify shapes
found in their environment. It also develops their spatial reasoning, which is essential in problem-solving,
measurement, art, architecture, and everyday life.
Lesson 1: Simple Geometric Figures
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:
Define simple geometric figures.
Identify common simple geometric figures.
Describe the basic properties of geometric figures.
Relate geometric figures to real-life objects.
Demonstrate strategies for teaching geometric figures in the elementary grades.
Introduction
Simple geometric figures are the basic building blocks of geometry. They are the first shapes that children
encounter in mathematics and in their daily surroundings. Understanding these figures helps learners
develop the ability to recognize patterns, classify objects, and understand more complex geometric concepts
later on.
What are Simple Geometric Figures?
Simple geometric figures are basic shapes that can be identified by their sides, corners (vertices), and angles.
They are usually introduced to young learners through familiar objects and hands-on activities.
Common Simple Geometric Figures
1. Point - A point represents an exact location in space. It has no length, width, or thickness.
Visual representation: • Point A
2. Line - A line is a straight path that extends infinitely in both directions.
Visual representation: ←────────────→
3. Line Segment - A line segment has two endpoints.
Visual representation: A────────B
4. Ray - A ray starts at one endpoint and extends infinitely in one direction.
Visual representation: A────────→
5. Angle - An angle is formed when two rays meet at a common endpoint called the vertex.
Visual representation:
/
/
•────
Basic Plane Figures
1. Circle - A circle is a closed curve where all points are equally distant from the center.
Properties:
No sides
No vertices
Has a center and radius
Real-life examples:
Coins
Wheels
Clocks
2. Triangle - A triangle is a polygon with 3 sides and 3 vertices.
Properties:
3 sides
3 angles
3 vertices
Real-life examples:
Roofs
Traffic signs
Pizza slices
3. Square - A square has 4 equal sides and 4 right angles.
Properties:
4 equal sides
4 vertices
4 right angles
Real-life examples:
Floor tiles
Chessboard squares
Windows
4. Rectangle - A rectangle has 4 sides and 4 right angles, with opposite sides equal.
Real-life examples:
Doors
Books
Whiteboards
Teaching Strategies
Use real objects such as coins, boxes, and books.
Let pupils trace and draw shapes.
Conduct a shape hunt around the classroom.
Use manipulatives like pattern blocks and cut-out shapes.
Lesson 2: Two-Dimensional Objects
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:
Define two-dimensional objects.
Identify different types of 2D shapes.
Describe the properties of 2D shapes.
Compare and classify 2D objects.
Plan activities for teaching 2D shapes.
What are Two-Dimensional Objects?
Two-dimensional (2D) objects are flat shapes that have only length and width. They do not have thickness or
depth.
Examples of 2D shapes include:
Circle
Triangle
Square
Rectangle
Pentagon
Hexagon
Octagon
Classification of 2D Shapes
Polygons
A polygon is a closed figure made up of straight line segments.
Examples:
Polygon Number of Sides
Triangle 3
Quadrilateral 4
Pentagon 5
Hexagon 6
Octagon 8
Non-Polygons
Shapes with curved sides, such as circles, are called non-polygons.
Properties of Common 2D Shapes
Shape Sides Vertices
Triangle 3 3
Square 4 4
Rectangle 4 4
Pentagon 5 5
Hexagon 6 6
Real-Life Examples
Triangle – road signs
Square – tiles
Rectangle – notebooks
Pentagon – some buildings
Hexagon – honeycombs
Teaching Strategies
Use pattern blocks to build shapes.
Ask pupils to sort shapes according to the number of sides.
Let pupils create pictures using 2D shapes.
Use interactive games for identifying polygons.
Common Misconceptions
Pupils may think all four-sided figures are squares.
Some learners may not recognize irregular polygons.
Children may confuse the number of sides with the number of vertices.
Lesson 3: Three-Dimensional Objects
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:
Define three-dimensional objects.
Identify common 3D shapes.
Describe the faces, edges, and vertices of 3D objects.
Compare 2D and 3D objects.
Demonstrate teaching strategies for 3D geometry.
What are Three-Dimensional Objects?
Three-dimensional (3D) objects are solid shapes that have length, width, and height. Unlike 2D shapes, 3D
objects occupy space and have depth.
Common 3D Shapes
1. Cube
A cube has:
6 equal square faces
12 edges
8 vertices
Real-life examples:
Dice
Ice cubes
Rubik's Cube
2. Rectangular Prism
A rectangular prism has:
6 rectangular faces
12 edges
8 vertices
Real-life examples:
Cereal boxes
Books
Bricks
3. Sphere
A sphere is perfectly round.
Properties:
No faces
No edges
No vertices
Real-life examples:
Balls
Globes
Marbles
4. Cylinder
A cylinder has:
2 circular faces
1 curved surface
No vertices
Real-life examples:
Cans
Pipes
Water bottles
5. Cone
A cone has:
1 circular face
1 curved surface
1 vertex
Real-life examples:
Ice cream cones
Party hats
Traffic cones
Comparing 2D and 3D Objects
Feature 2D Objects 3D Objects
Dimensions Length and Width Length, Width, Height
Feature 2D Objects 3D Objects
Occupies Space No Yes
Examples Square, Circle Cube, Sphere
Teaching Strategies
Bring real solid objects to class.
Let pupils touch and manipulate 3D models.
Ask learners to identify the faces, edges, and vertices.
Use clay or paper folding to create solids.
Lesson 4: Symmetry
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:
Define symmetry.
Identify lines of symmetry in figures.
Differentiate symmetrical and asymmetrical figures.
Apply symmetry in real-life contexts.
Teach symmetry using creative activities.
What is Symmetry?
Symmetry occurs when a figure can be divided into two equal and matching halves.
The dividing line is called the line of symmetry.
Types of Symmetry
1. Line Symmetry - A figure has line symmetry if it can be folded into two matching halves.
Examples:
Square – 4 lines of symmetry
Rectangle – 2 lines of symmetry
Circle – infinitely many lines of symmetry
2. Rotational Symmetry - A figure has rotational symmetry if it looks the same after being rotated.
Example:
A square looks the same after a 90° rotation.
Real-Life Examples
Butterflies
Human faces
Leaves
Buildings
Snowflakes
Teaching Strategies
Use paper folding to discover symmetry.
Provide mirror activities.
Let pupils draw the missing half of a shape.
Conduct a symmetry hunt in the classroom.
Lesson 5: Tessellation
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:
Define tessellation.
Identify shapes that can tessellate.
Differentiate regular and irregular tessellations.
Create simple tessellation patterns.
Integrate tessellation activities in elementary teaching.
What is Tessellation?
A tessellation is a repeating pattern of shapes that covers a surface completely without gaps or overlaps.
Shapes that Tessellate
Regular polygons that tessellate include:
Equilateral triangles
Squares
Regular hexagons
Shapes that Do Not Tessellate Alone
Regular pentagons
Most circles
Types of Tessellation
1. Regular Tessellation - Uses only one type of regular polygon.
Examples:
Squares
Equilateral triangles
Regular hexagons
2. Semi-Regular Tessellation - Uses two or more regular polygons arranged in a repeating
pattern.
Irregular Tessellation - Uses irregular shapes to create a repeating pattern.
Visual Illustration
Square tessellation:
⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜⬜
Real-Life Examples
Floor tiles
Brick walls
Honeycombs
Mosaic art
Teaching Strategies
Give pupils cut-out shapes to arrange.
Use grid paper to design tessellations.
Connect tessellation with art activities.
Let pupils create their own repeating patterns.
Additional Information:
Here are the polygon shapes from 3 sides to 20 sides. These are useful for Chapter 3: Geometry in Teaching
Mathematics in Primary Grades, especially when teaching two-dimensional objects (polygons).
Polygon shapes from 3 to 20 sides
Number of Sides Name of Polygon Number of Sides Name of Polygon
3 Triangle 12 Dodecagon
4 Quadrilateral 13 Tridecagon
5 Pentagon 14 Tetradecagon
6 Hexagon 15 Pentadecagon
7 Heptagon 16 Hexadecagon
8 Octagon 17 Heptadecagon
9 Nonagon 18 Octadecagon
10 Decagon 19 Nonadecagon
11 Hendecagon (Undecagon) 20 Icosagon
Visual guide to common polygons
3-sided polygon: Triangle 5-sided polygon: Pentagon
8-sided polygon: Octagon
4-sided 6-sided polygon: Hexagon
polygon: Quadrilateral 9-sided polygon: Nonagon
7-sided polygon: Heptagon
10-sided polygon: Decagon