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Compose shapes from smaller shapes

Understands that smaller two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes can be joined to form a larger composite shape, and that the same whole may be built from different arrangements or combinations of parts. Reasoning includes recognizing how sides, faces, and vertices align and how a shape’s orientation can change without changing its identity; formal area, volume, and generalized composition are beyond this level.

Detailed Explanation: Compose shapes from smaller shapes

Smaller shapes can join to make one larger shape. Look for sides that can touch with no gaps and no overlaps.

Example: Make a larger square using 4 small squares.

  1. Put 2 small squares side by side.
  2. Put 2 more squares directly underneath them.
  3. Check the sides. Each touching side lines up.
  4. Check the outside edge. It makes 4 straight sides, so the whole shape is a larger square.

The 4 small squares have been composed, or joined, to make 1 larger square. You can turn the whole shape, but it is still a square.

Learn by doing: Compose shapes from smaller shapes

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Shape Composites - Composite Shape Picture to Shape Set


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