Scavenger Hunt – Geometry

To celebrate the 200th birthday of Irish mathematician John Casey, one of the founders of the modern geometry of the triangle and circle we have devised a geometric scavenger hunt that will have young children searching for 2D in their environment. It is a fun way to help students make connections between the maths they learn in school and maths in real life.

What you need:

  • Hunt list
  • Pencils
  • Camera (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Shapes are everywhere! Use this activity sheet to locate a selection of 2D in your home and/or garden. If you cannot get outside to search for these shapes, then you could look through a magazine or newspaper.

  1. Insert the name of each shape in the space provided, using the bank of key terms below.
  2. Using the table provided, describe each shape in your own words.
    1. How many sides does it have?
    2. How many angles?
    3. Describe the dimensions of the shape (longer/shorter)
  3. Locate as many of the shapes as you can in your environment. Count them and record the results
  4. Take photos of where you see these shapes in the real world. Share your discoveries on social media and use the hashtag #MathsAtHome and tag @MathsWeekIreland
  5. Leave space at the end to record any irregular shapes that you have discovered.
  • Sketch
  • Describe the shape

Download

Geometric scavenger hunt – Sheet 1
Geometric scavenger hunt – Sheet 2

Extensions of the activity

  1. Take measurements of all the shapes using appropriate equipment. Make sure you record the unit of length i.e. metres, centimetres, millimetres.
  2. Calculate the perimeter and area of each shape.
  3. Expand the hunt list to include 3D shapes.
  • Cylinder
  • Cuboid
  • Cube
  • Cone
  • Triangular prism
  • Sphere

4. Locate the formulae for the volume of the 3D shapes and calculate the Volume.