Mathematics
Grade 1
15 min
Open and closed shapes
Open and closed shapes
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify an open shape.
Identify a closed shape.
Explain the difference between open and closed shapes.
Draw an example of an open shape.
Draw an example of a closed shape.
Sort shapes into 'open' and 'closed' groups.
Can a little puppy 🐶 get out of its fence? Let's find out with shapes!
We will learn about two kinds of shapes. They are called open and closed shapes. It is fun to spot them everywhere!
Real-World Applications
A fence around a yard is a closed shape.
A drawing of a road is an open shape.
A circle for a sun drawing ☀️ is a closed shape.
The letter 'C' is an open shape.
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
ShapeA shape is what something looks like. It is made of lines or curves.A square 🟦, a circle 🔴, and a star ⭐ are all shapes.
Open ShapeAn open shape does not connect back to its start. It has a gap.The letter 'U' is an open shape. An ant 🐜 could walk out of it.
Closed ShapeA closed shape connects back to where it started. It has no gaps.A triangle △ is a closed shape. An ant 🐜 is trapped inside.
Starting PointThis is the spot where you begin to draw a shape.Put your pencil down to make the first dot.
Ending PointThis is the spot where you stop drawing a shape.Lift your pencil up when you are finished drawing.
3
Core Formulas
The Closed Shape Test
Starting Point = Ending Point
If your drawing ends exactly where it started, the shape is closed.
The Open Shape Test
Starting Point ≠ Ending Point
If your drawing ends in a different spot from where it started, the shape is open.
The Inside/Outside Rule
Closed Shape → Has an 'inside'
You can color inside a closed shape. The color will not leak out!
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
Can a shape be made of only straight lines and still be an open shape?
A.Yes, like the letter L or a zig-zag.
B.No, all shapes with straight lines are closed.
C.Only if it has more than 5 lines.
D.Only if the lines are all different lengths.
Challenging
A square is one big closed shape. If you draw one straight line from one corner to the opposite corner, what happens?
A.It becomes an open shape.
B.It is still one closed shape, but bigger.
C.It is now made of two smaller closed shapes.
D.It becomes a circle.
Challenging
I am a closed shape. I am made of exactly 3 straight lines. All my corners are sharp. What am I?
A.square
B.triangle
C.circle
D.The letter Z
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