The Shape Factory | Mini Maths Explorations

This engaging, hands-on maths investigation encourages students to explore the properties of 2D shapes, compare 4-sided shapes (quadrilaterals), and develop mathematical reasoning through an accessible, open-ended challenge!

Students become shape designers at a factory, investigating a manager’s claim that all shapes with four sides and four vertices must be the same shape. Through exploration and discussion, students discover that shapes can share the same number of sides and vertices while having different properties.

Part of the Mindful Maths Mini Maths Explorations collection, this resource follows a low-threshold, high-ceiling approach, providing an accessible starting point with opportunities for deeper mathematical thinking.

The activity includes four additional constraints (challenges) to encourage systematic exploration, compare shape properties and develop mathematical justification, to extend your students as appropriate.

Mathematical Focus: 2D shape properties, quadrilaterals, sides, vertices, comparing and classifying shapes, and mathematical reasoning.

Estimated Time: 25–30 minutes, with flexibility to extend the investigation through additional challenges and mathematical discussion.

What’s Included?

• Introduction to Mini Math Explorations
• Teacher guidance and teaching sequence
• Visual provocation
• Four additional challenges (constraints)

This download includes both an Editable PowerPoint Version and a PDF Version.