Shapes in Nature: Geometry Activity

This activity encourages teachers and students to apply math knowledge to the natural world around them. Students will identify shapes in nature and describe specific shape characteristics.

• Display the Shape Friends or Shapes in Nature posters in the classroom or Math Center/Station.

• Take time to discuss and explore what makes each shape special (e.g., lines, angles, etc.).

• Take students on a nature walk around the school or playground to use their shape windows or participate in the Shape Scavenger Hunt. If students don’t have access to a safe outdoor space consider doing a virtual nature walk.

• Weather permitting, take your lessons outside!

• Depending on students’ fine motor skills, creating the shape windows could be a Center/Station activity on its own.

Primary Standards

• Common Core Math Standards (CCSS.MATH)
  • Geometry (K-8)
    • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.A.1 Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to.
    • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.A.2 Correctly name shapes regardless of their orientations or overall size.
    • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.B.4 Analyze and compare two- and three-dimensional shapes, in different sizes and orientations, using informal language to describe their similarities, differences, parts (e.g., number of sides and vertices/"corners") and other attributes (e.g., having sides of equal length).