National Numeracy Learning Progression

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Understanding geometric properties description

This sub-element describes how a student becomes increasingly able to identify the attributes of shapes and objects and how they can be combined or transformed. Being able to use spatial reasoning and geometric properties to solve problems is important for a range of tasks. For example, dissection and rearrangement combined with basic geometric properties underpins surveying and building design, as well as interpreting plans.

Some students will communicate using augmentative and alternative communication strategies to demonstrate their numeracy skills. This may include digital technologies, sign language, braille, real objects, photographs and pictographs.

Each sub-element level has been identified by upper-case initials of the sub-element name followed by ascending numbers. The abbreviation for this sub-element is UGP. The listing of indicators within each level is non-hierarchical. Subheadings have been included to group related indicators. Where appropriate, examples have been provided in brackets following an indicator.

UGP1

Familiar shapes and objects

  • uses everyday language to describe and compare shapes and objects
  • finds similar shapes or objects in the environment

UGP2

Features of shapes and objects

  • identifies and describes features of shapes and objects
  • describes what an object may look like from a different perspective
  • recognises features of shapes of different sizes and in different orientations following flips, slides and turns
  • sorts objects based on their features

Angles

  • identifies angles as greater than, less than or equal to a right angle

UGP3

Properties of shapes and objects

  • relates the faces of a three-dimensional object to two-dimensional shapes
  • aligns the corresponding faces of an object and its net
  • identifies the relationship between the number of edges of a shape and the number of corners (if the shape has 4 edges, it has 4 corners)
  • represents shapes and objects (sketching, model building, digital drawing packages)

UGP4

Symmetry

  • recognises that shapes can have lines of symmetry (by folding shapes or using mirrors)
  • identifies the different shapes that enable the creation of symmetrical designs

UGP5

Angles and lines

  • recognises the angles at a point add to 360°
  • estimates and identifies measures of angles in degrees up to one revolution
  • uses angle properties to identify perpendicular and parallel lines

UGP6

Geometric properties

  • uses relevant properties of geometrical figures to find unknown lengths and angles