Multilink Cube 3D Quick Image

Curriculum Goal

Compose and decompose various structures, and identify the two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional objects that these structures contain.
Identify congruent lengths, angles, and faces of three-dimensional objects by mentally and physically matching them, and determine if the objects are congruent.

This is a teacher led activity that can be conducted with a whole class or small groups.

Tell students you will be showing them an image of a structure and you want them to try and hold the image in their mind to recreate it.
Flash one image from the Multilink Cube 3D Quick Image PPT (Appendix A) for five seconds, then hide the image.
Invite students to use multilink cubes to recreate the image from memory.
- Depending on the complexity of the shape and the needs of the students, the image can be shown again to allow students to notice additional features while they build.
After students are finished, show the image again. Students can compare the original structure to their own.
Facilitate a discussion about students’ strategies for how they approached the task. Some questions to extend student thinking:
- Did you find it easy, medium or difficult to remember the shape? What made it that way?
- Does the shape resemble anything?
- How many multilink cubes in all were needed for this shape? Can you suggest a way to make it easier to count?
Repeat with each image.

What kind of spatial language are the students using amongst themselves and in group discussions?
Are students closing their eyes to visualize the object?
Are students gesturing in any way to maintain the object in their memory?
Are students counting in any way to remember the orientation of the blocks?

This lesson supports the development of composing and decomposing 3D objects by communication with the use of positional language.