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Hi there, 3D shape detective!
Did you know that when you turn a 3D shape, you are rotating it?
We can rotate shapes in a number of ways.
There are three main rotations which can be used to affect 3D shapes:
1) You can roll the shape along the surface to the left (anti-clockwise) or to the right (clockwise), like this:
2) You can swivel the shape in its position, like this:
3) You can pull the shape towards you or push it away from you, like this:
Let's try applying these rotations to another shape now.
Take a look at this 3D shape:
Which of the options below is a rotation of this 3D shape?
Really try to imagine in your head how the shape is moving.
a) b) 
c) 
d) 
e) 
The correct answer is a!
Some of the other options may look close, but a rotation needs to maintain the same number of faces, corners and edges plus the same proportions.
Only option a does this.
In this activity, you will need to be a 3D shape spotter and match the shapes to their rotations.
(1).png) |
Pssstt!! Here’s a handy hint to help you reach superstar status: Before you begin matching, look closely at the features of the original shapes (e.g. number of sides, 2D shapes they are made from, length and how wide they are). Once you have identified these key features, it will be much easier to spot the correct rotation. |
Let’s get started!
