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Science notes, unit 10

Basics of building

Textbook Science Year 1 (DLP), pages 89–97

What this chapter covers

  • {'You can name the four basic shapes': 'triangle, square, rectangle and circle (10.1.1)'}
  • You can name the seven basic shape blocks (10.1.2)
  • You can say which basic shapes and blocks are used to build an object (10.1.1, 10.1.3)
  • You can say why objects are made in certain block shapes (10.1.4)
  • You can build a model with basic shape blocks and explain it (10.1.3, 10.1.5)

Everything around us is made from basic shapes and basic shape blocks. In this unit we learn their names and why they are used.

10.1Basic shapes and basic shape blocks

Four basic shapes

A basic shape is a flat shape. There are four basic shapes: triangle, square, rectangle and circle.
A blue triangle, a pink square, a green rectangle and a pink circle, each with its name
The four basic shapes.
ShapeObject that has this shape
TriangleSet square
SquareTile
RectangleBanknote, whiteboard
CircleMagnifying glass, slice of orange
What is the basic shape of a banknote?
Show answerHide answer
Rectangle.

Seven basic shape blocks

A basic shape block is a solid shape. There are seven: cube, cuboid, pyramid, prism, cone, cylinder and sphere.
Toy blocks in a playground: a pyramid on top, a cuboid and a cube
Pyramid, cuboid and cube.
A playground with a prism-shaped roof, a sphere ball, a cylinder tunnel and a cone
Prism, sphere, cylinder and cone.
BlockObject
CubeDice, gift box
CuboidShoe box, brick
PyramidTent
PrismRoof of a house
ConeTraffic cone
CylinderBattery, tin can
SphereBall
A cube has 6 squares. A basic shape is flat. A basic shape block is solid.
Name the block shape of a ball.
Show answerHide answer
Sphere.

Build new objects

We can join several blocks to make a new object, such as a robot. Clay can be shaped into blocks. Then we join them and explain what we used.

A shape is flat (circle). A block is solid (sphere). Do not mix them up.

10.2Why block shapes matter

A boy kicks a ball that rolls easily, and a boy kicks a cube-shaped ball that does not roll
A sphere rolls easily. A cube does not.
A cube-shaped table clock stands on a table and a cylinder-shaped clock rolls
A cube clock stands well on a table. A cylinder clock rolls.
  • A ball is a sphere so that it rolls easily.
  • A table clock is a cube so that it stands well and does not roll.
Objects are made in the block shape that suits how we use them.
Example
Zaki keeps books in a box. A cuboid box (box P) is better than a pyramid box (box Q) because books fit well inside and the box stacks neatly.
Why is a table clock in the shape of a cube?
Show answerHide answer
It stands well on the table and does not roll.

Pictures: Science Year 1 (DLP) textbook, pp. 90, 92, 93, 95, 96.

Summary

Basic shapesBasic shape blocks
How many47
NamesTriangle, square, rectangle, circleCube, cuboid, pyramid, prism, cone, cylinder, sphere
IdeaFlatSolid; made to suit its use