Submarine maths quest: shapes
A story-led junior maths adventure using depths, pressure and hidden coordinates to spot 2D and 3D shapes in the adventure world.
Quick answer
You can use shapes to help navigate and explore the deep ocean in a submarine maths quest. By spotting 2D and 3D shapes, you can find hidden coordinates and solve puzzles to reach the treasure.
Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will be able to identify 2D and 3D shapes in real-world objects and use shape properties to solve simple puzzles or mysteries.
- You can name and describe the main features of 2D shapes like squares, triangles, and circles.
- You can name and describe the main features of 3D shapes like cubes, cuboids, and pyramids.
- You can spot 2D and 3D shapes in everyday objects around you.
- You can use shape clues to help solve simple puzzles or mysteries.
Why this matters
Shapes are everywhere around us – in your toys, your home, your school, and even in the ocean! Understanding shapes helps you solve puzzles, build things, and even navigate a submarine. When you're on a maths adventure, shape clues can help you find hidden treasures, unlock secret doors, and solve mysteries. Shapes are not just for drawing – they are part of the world around you, and knowing them helps you understand how things work and fit together.
How it works
Shapes come in two main types: 2D and 3D.
- 2D shapes are flat – like a drawing on paper. They have length and width but no depth.
- 3D shapes are solid – like a real box or ball. They have length, width, and depth.
Each shape has special features:
- 2D shapes have sides and corners (or vertices).
- 3D shapes have faces, edges, and vertices.
When you're on a submarine quest, you might see a pyramid-shaped treasure chest or a circular window. Recognising these shapes helps you understand how to open it or where to go next.
Examples you can see
Let’s look at some shapes you might see in your daily life or on your submarine adventure.
2D Shapes
| Shape | Features | Real-life Example |
|---|---|---|
| Square | 4 equal sides, 4 corners | Your maths book cover |
| Triangle | 3 sides, 3 corners | A slice of pizza |
| Circle | No sides, no corners | A coin or a wheel |
| Rectangle | 4 sides, 4 corners, opposite sides equal | A door or a phone screen |
3D Shapes
| Shape | Features | Real-life Example |
|---|---|---|
| Cube | 6 square faces, 12 edges, 8 vertices | A dice or a box of crayons |
| Cuboid | 6 rectangular faces, 12 edges, 8 vertices | A shoebox or a book |
| Sphere | One curved face, no edges or corners | A ball or a globe |
| Pyramid | One base, triangular faces that meet at a point | A pyramid-shaped roof or a tent |
Try it as a mini adventure
Imagine you are on a Submarine maths quest exploring the deep ocean. Your submarine is moving through the water, and you need to spot shapes to find the hidden coordinates of the treasure.
Step 1: You see a circular window on the side of your submarine. What shape is it?
Answer: Circle
Step 2: You spot a treasure chest shaped like a cube. How many faces does it have?
Answer: 6 faces
Step 3: You see a pyramid-shaped roof on a sunken ship. How many corners does it have?
Answer: 5 corners (1 base + 4 corners of the triangle)
Step 4: You notice a rectangular sign with a message. What shape is the sign?
Answer: Rectangle
Step 5: You see a ball in the ocean. What shape is it?
Answer: Sphere
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking a square is a type of rectangle.
Why it happens: A square is actually a special type of rectangle where all sides are equal.
Fix: Remember, all squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares. - Mistake: Confusing a circle with a sphere.
Why it happens: Both are round, but one is flat (circle) and one is solid (sphere).
Fix: Circle = 2D, Sphere = 3D - Mistake: Thinking a pyramid has 4 faces and 4 corners.
Why it happens: It has 1 base and 3 triangular faces.
Fix: A pyramid has 5 corners (1 base + 4 triangle corners).
Parent and carer guide
Help your child by:
- Looking around your home for 2D and 3D shapes together – like a book (rectangle), a ball (sphere), or a dice (cube).
- Playing shape games like “Name the shape” while walking or driving.
- Using everyday objects to build or draw shapes – like stacking boxes (cuboids) or drawing circles with a compass.
- Encouraging your child to describe what they see – “What shape is this?” or “How many corners does it have?”
- Not worrying if they get it wrong – shape recognition is a skill that takes time to build.
Practice questions
- What shape has 4 equal sides and 4 corners?
Answer: Square - What shape has 3 sides and 3 corners?
Answer: Triangle - What shape is like a ball?
Answer: Sphere - What shape has 6 square faces?
Answer: Cube - What shape has 1 curved face and no corners?
Answer: Sphere - What shape has 5 corners and 1 base?
Answer: Pyramid
FAQ
What is the difference between 2D and 3D shapes?
2D shapes are flat, like a drawing on paper. 3D shapes are solid and take up space, like a real box or ball.
Why are shapes important in real life?
Shapes help us understand how things fit together, build structures, and solve puzzles. They are used in buildings, toys, and even in nature.
How can I help my child learn shapes?
Look around your home and point out shapes, play shape games, and draw or build shapes together. The more you practice, the better they get!
Are there more shapes I should know?
Yes! There are many more shapes like hexagons, ovals, and cones. But starting with the basics like squares, circles, cubes, and spheres is a great place to begin.
Can shapes be found underwater?
Yes! You can find many shapes underwater, like round coral (circles), square rocks, or pyramid-shaped shipwrecks. Shapes are everywhere, even in the ocean!