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What shapes can you find in nature? - Summary
Shapes are all around us, including in the natural world. In this KS1 video from The Regenerators, Change Champs Ibrahim and Rui join outdoor learning expert Angela for a shape hunt around Backwell Lake. Along the way, they explore the difference between 2D and 3D shapes and discover examples of shapes in nature.
In this video, students will learn:
- The difference between 2D and 3D shapes.
- How to identify shapes found in the natural world.
- How shapes can be used creatively to make pictures and artwork.
Classroom video - Shapes
What shapes can you find in nature?
The Change Champs are a team of children who like to learn about the world around them. In each video, the Change Champs meet an expert who sets them an exciting challenge.
Join Ibrahim and Rui as they meet up with Angela at Backwell Lake in Somerset to go on a shapes hunt.
Ibrahim: I am Ibrahim. And this is Rui. And we have come to Backwell Lake in North Somerset.
Rui: We are here to meet Angela who's going to teach us all about shapes in nature.
Angela: This is an awesome place to meet because it's great to learn outdoors. This lake is home to rare species of animals like otters and dragonflies. But today we're going to look for shapes.
Ibrahim: We want to ask Angela to explain to us the difference between 2D and 3D shapes.
Angela: A flat shape, like the circle on this piece of wood is 2D, but it's completely flat, so you can't pick it up. Now, what about this tree trunk? Is it 2D?
Rui: No, it's 3D as it's not flat.
Angela: A 3D shape is a shape with three dimensions. Its height, its width and its depth. So you can pick it up or wrap your arms around it. Do you think you can wrap your arms around this tree?
Rui: We can try.
Angela: Are we all joined up? I think. Boys come back here. Can you think of a 3D shape?
Rui: Yes I can. A sphere.
Angela: Yes, and where have you seen one of those before?
Rui and Ibrahim: Football!
Angela: Yes! Brilliant answer. Now look, I have got a mission for you.
Rui: Can you walk around the lake and go on a shape hunt?
Angela: You're going to need this and this.
Ibrahim: Look a circle.
Rui: It's on the tree.
Found another rectangle.
Angela: Here's a square.
Rui: I'll tick that off.
Ibrahim: Look there's a rectangle.
Rui: Yep, that's definitely a sphere.
There's a cylinder.
Angela: Wow.
Rui and Ibrahim: And a cube!
Angela: Rui and Ibrahim, you are the best shape hunters. I've got one last challenge for you. I collected some different shaped things in that basket. Do you think you could work together and make a picture of a face?
Ibrahim: Yes!
Angela: What could you use a cylinder for?
Rui: An eye.
Ibrahim: I was going to say that.
Angela: Yeah two eyes.
Rui: We could use this as the nose.
Angela: Oh, what shape is this?
Ibrahim: A triangle.
Angela: A triangle. Excellent. Have we got any more spheres for the smile?
Rui: I've got several.
Angela: And what are you using these rectangles for?
Ibrahim: The head.
Angela: Well done, boys. Your nature art is amazing. Can I take a picture of it for my wall?
Ibrahim: It's time to say goodbye to Angela now, but we have learned so much about shapes.
Rui: Yes, we have learned that shapes are everywhere.
(PHOTO CLICKING)
(UPBEAT MUSIC)
Quick facts about shapes
- A 2D shape is flat and has length and width.
- A 3D shape has height, width and depth.
- Shapes can be found in both natural and human-made environments.
Let's discuss: What 2D and 3D shapes can you find in your school grounds or local area?
Learn more about sustainability
More resources for this video can be found in the Green Classroom: Finding shapes in nature lesson page.
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