Whether they know it or not, your honeybee is immersed in the fascinating world of Geometry! Just like two-dimensional (2D) shapes, your honeybee is in constant contact with three-dimensional (3D) shapes. What’s the difference? A 3D shape is a figure, or an object, that has length, width, and height. In other words, these shapes are solid and have depth and weight. When exploring 3D shapes, it is important to use hands-on learning and make the experience tactile. Sensorial exploration will help your honeybee apply their understanding to the world around them. In addition, they will naturally begin to identify the similarities and differences between 3D objects and 2D shapes.
In this activity, your honeybee will build 2D (flat) shapes and search for 3D (solid) objects around your comb. The goal is to make a physical comparison of attributes between the shapes while applying 3D concepts to real-world experiences.
Bonus: this activity serves as an introduction to graphing and data collection!
What you’ll need:
- Strips of paper
- Index cards (or paper for labeling)
- Pencil or marker
- Q-Tips
Spotting 3D objects?! This is a case for the Honeybees! You ready? Let’s get busy!
1. Create two-column chart on floor or table with your strips of paper
2. Label columns “2D” and “3D”
3. Label cards for 2D shapes and place them in the corresponding column
4. Create corresponding 2D shape next to label cards using Q-Tips
5. Create label cards for 3D solids (i.e. cube, cylinder, sphere, cone) and place them under the corresponding column
6. Send Detective Honeybee off to search for 3D objects around your comb
7. Place objects next to their corresponding label card
* Modify this activity to your honeybee’s ability! *
Be sure to have conversations about the physical attributes of 3D solids. Encourage questions about similarities and differences. Remember, every honeybee is different. Some may know the names of 3D solids, others may not. Use the proper language with your honeybee; they are smarter than you think!
Language to use:
- Two-dimensional (2D)
- Three-dimensional (3D)
- Solid
- Flat
- Object
- Shape
- Weight
- Height
- Length
Solids to find:
- Sphere (K-3)
- Cylinder (K-3)
- Cone (K-3)
- Cube (K-3)
- Rectangular prism (1-3)
- Triangular-based prism (1-3)
- Square-based pyramid (1-3)
- Triangular-based pyramid (1-3)
- Ovoid (1-3)
- Ellipsoid (1-3)
Questions? Comments? Compliments? Leave them in the comments BEElow!
The Busy B 