Grade 1 ↓
Geometry
Welcome to the world of geometry! Here, we will explore shapes, sizes, space and directions. Geometry is all around us, from books to buildings, from your toy box to the sky-high skyscrapers. It is present in everyday objects and the surrounding environment. Let us take a deep look at the basic elements of geometry that are taught in Class 1.
What is geometry?
Geometry is a branch of mathematics that deals with the properties and relationships of points, lines, surfaces, solids, and higher dimensional analogs. In simple terms, it is about the study of shapes and their properties. In Grade 1, we focus on the very basics: different shapes and their names, size, space between them, and how they relate to each other.
Basic shapes
In Grade 1, we begin learning about basic shapes. These shapes are the foundation of geometry. The most common shapes we learn in Grade 1 include:
- circle
- square
- rectangle
- triangle
- oval
Circle
A circle is a round shape. All points on the surface of a circle are equidistant from its center. It has no edges or corners. You can find circles in bicycle wheels, watch faces, or round plates.
Circle properties: - No corners - No edges
Square
A square is a four-sided shape in which all sides are the same length, and every angle is a right angle (90 degrees). Squares can be seen in things like chessboards, window panes, or square pieces of paper.
Square properties: - 4 equal sides - 4 corners (right angles)
Rectangle
Rectangles are similar to squares, but two opposite sides are longer than the other pair of sides. All angles in a rectangle are right angles. Look at doors, books or smartphones - they are often rectangular.
Rectangle properties: - Opposite sides are equal - 4 corners (right angles)
Triangle
A triangle is a shape with three sides. It has three corners. Triangles are very versatile and can look very different from each other. Traffic signs, pizza slices, and pyramids are just a few examples of shapes that involve triangles.
Triangle properties: - 3 sides - 3 corners
Oval
Ovals are long circles and look similar to eggs. Ovals have no corners. You can see ovals in many playgrounds, such as racetracks, egg-shaped or even in some mirrors.
Oval properties: - No corners - No straight sides
Learning directions and positions
Understanding directions and positions is also part of grade 1 geometry. It helps describe where shapes are found or placed relative to each other. It includes the following terms:
- top and bottom
- left and right
- up and down
- back and forth
Examples of guidelines and situations
Circle over rectangle:
Square to the left of the triangle:
Comparing and sorting shapes
Sorting and comparing are important for recognizing patterns and arranging things logically. We often sort shapes based on their characteristics, such as:
- Number of sides
- Number of corners
- same or different size
Example of sorting
Sort the following figures according to the number of sides:
Sort the results:
1. Circle - no sides
2. Triangle - three sides
3. Square - four sides
Understanding size: big and small
Another part of learning geometry is understanding the size of objects. In grade 1, this simply means identifying whether an object is large or small. Comparing sizes is essential in learning basic measurement concepts.
Example of size comparison
Look at the two circles given below and identify which one is bigger and which one is smaller.
The circle on the left is smaller, while the circle on the right is larger.
Symmetry in shapes
Symmetry occurs when one half of a shape is a mirror image of the other half. Symmetrical shapes look balanced and similar from different sides. Common objects that display symmetry include butterflies, human faces, which are symmetrical, and some buildings such as old castles and churches.
Example of symmetry
The vertical line through the middle of this heart shape shows that both sides are exactly the same:
Here, the shape of the heart is symmetrical around the vertical line, which divides it into two equal parts.
Pattern recognition
Patterns are sequences that repeat in a logical way. Recognizing and understanding patterns is important in early math education. Patterns help us predict what is going to happen next, which is important for problem-solving skills.
Example of pattern recognition
Look at this sequence of shapes and determine what comes next:
The pattern is: square, circle, square, circle. Therefore, the next shape in the sequence must be a square.
Completion of geometry
In short, geometry in Class 1 begins with simple shapes and their properties. Children are taught to identify and name basic shapes, understand spatial awareness through directions and positions, compare and sort shapes based on various characteristics, understand concepts of shape and symmetry, and develop pattern recognition. This fundamental stage lays the ground for more complex mathematical concepts that they will encounter in later classes.
Understanding geometry not only helps with math but also enriches problem-solving skills and encourages logical thinking. Keep exploring and observing the world of shapes and spaces around you, and you'll see that geometry is a fascinating and integral part of everyday life!