Title: Exploring 2D Shapes through Design Thinking

Grade Level: Year 3 (8-9 years old)

Subject: Mathematics

Duration: 3-4 lessons (45 minutes each)

Objective: 1. Students will identify and describe various 2D shapes. 2. Students will apply design thinking principles to create and innovate using 2D shapes. 3. Students will collaborate and communicate effectively in groups to solve design challenges.

Materials: - Chart paper and markers - Various 2D shape cutouts (circles, squares, triangles, rectangles, etc.) - Construction paper - Scissors - Glue sticks - Colored pencils/markers - Design thinking worksheets (downloadable from online resources)

Lesson 1: Introduction to 2D Shapes (45 minutes) 1. Begin the lesson by displaying different 2D shapes on the chart paper. Discuss the characteristics of each shape, such as the number of sides, vertices, and angles. 2. Engage students in a class discussion about real-life objects that resemble these shapes (e.g., a clock as a circle, a book as a rectangle). 3. Distribute shape cutouts to each student and ask them to identify and label the shape they have. 4. In small groups, have students share their shapes and discuss their findings. Encourage them to explain how they know the shape they have. 5. Conclude the lesson by summarizing the key characteristics of each shape and reviewing the vocabulary associated with 2D shapes.

Lesson 2: Applying Design Thinking to 2D Shapes (45 minutes) 1. Introduce the concept of design thinking and its steps: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. 2. Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a design thinking worksheet. 3. In the empathize phase, students will brainstorm and discuss real-life problems related to 2D shapes (e.g., designing a new logo, creating a pattern for a quilt). 4. In the define phase, students will choose one problem from their brainstorming session and clearly define it on their worksheet. 5. In the ideate phase, students will generate multiple ideas for solving the defined problem using 2D shapes. Encourage creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. 6. In the prototype phase, students will select one idea and create a prototype using construction paper, scissors, and glue sticks. 7. In the test phase, students will present their prototypes to the class, explaining how their design solves the defined problem. 8. Facilitate a class discussion on the different solutions presented, highlighting the strengths and unique aspects of each design.

Lesson 3: Collaborative Design Challenge (45 minutes) 1. Introduce a collaborative design challenge to the class, such as creating a mural using various 2D shapes. 2. Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a large sheet of construction paper and colored pencils/markers. 3. In their groups, students will brainstorm and sketch a design for their mural, incorporating different 2D shapes. 4. Once the design is finalized, students will work together to cut out the required shapes from construction paper and glue them onto the mural. 5. Encourage students to collaborate, communicate, and problem-solve as they work on their mural. 6. After completing the mural, have each group present their design to the class, explaining the shapes used and the story behind their artwork. 7. Display the murals around the classroom or school to showcase the students’ collaborative efforts.

Extension Activity: - Students can create a 2D shape scavenger hunt around the school or classroom, where they identify and label shapes they find in their environment. - Students can explore 3D shapes using the same design thinking principles, creating prototypes and designs using materials like clay or building blocks.

Assessment: - Observe students’ participation and engagement during class discussions and group activities. - Evaluate students’ understanding of 2D shapes through their ability to identify, label, and describe shapes accurately. - Assess students’ application of design thinking principles through their prototypes, designs, and presentations.