Year 3 Mathematics · AC9M3SP01

Make, compare and classify objects, identifying key features and explaining why these features make them suited to their uses

Objects can be compared and classified by features such as faces, edges, vertices, curved surfaces, strength, stability and how they are used

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Learning goalsSay it simply

Objects can be compared and classified by features such as faces, edges, vertices, curved surfaces, strength, stability and how they are used.

Learning routine: Observe object → Identify features → Compare → Classify → Link feature to use

Success looks like

  • Identify 3D features
  • Compare objects
  • Classify objects
  • Link features to uses
  • Build for purpose

Success criteria:

  • Identify 3D features
  • Compare objects
  • Classify objects
  • Link features to uses
  • Build for purpose
Key conceptTeach from the board

Key idea: Objects can be compared and classified by features such as faces, edges, vertices, curved surfaces, strength, stability and how they are used.

Learning routine: Observe object → Identify features → Compare → Classify → Link feature to use

feature
a property used to describe or compare an object
classify
sort into groups using a stated rule
suitable
having features that fit a particular use
Clean visual examplesOne-page board

Clean one-page examples

AC9M3SP01 - Make, compare and classify objects, identifying key features and explaining why these features make them suited to their uses
Example 1

Object Useful feature box flat faces stack ball curved surface rolls can stable base + curved side

Example 2

stable base stacking faces rolling surface

Example 3

has 6 faces does not roll easily stores items

Example 4

Compare common three-dimensional objects cube 6 flat faces cylinder 2 flat + curved sphere curved surface prism matching ends Use observable features and purpose, not only the object's name. Read every label and identify what each quantity or feature represents. Describe the relationship shown by the model. Check that the conclusion answers the original question.

Curriculum examplesCopied content

The content description and elaborations below show the curriculum ideas taught in this unit. Items marked as teaching context support lesson planning.

  • Content description: make, compare and classify objects, identifying key features and explaining why these features make them suited to their uses
  • E1: classifying a collection of geometric objects, including cylinders, spheres, prisms and pyramids according to key features such as the shape and number of faces and/or surfaces, edges and vertices
  • E2: making and comparing objects built out of cubic blocks and discussing key features; for example, comparing the amount of space objects occupy by counting how many blocks it takes to build different rectangular prisms that have the same height but different bases
  • E3: making geometric objects in solid form out of connecting cubes, in skeleton form with straws, and constructing objects using dynamic geometric software, recognising, comparing and discussing the features of the objects using the different representations
  • E4: using familiar shapes and objects to build or construct models and compare the suitability of different shapes and objects for aspects of the model; for example, building rectangular towers out of connecting cubes and recognising that the taller the tower, the less stable it becomes unless the base is increased; building bridges out of straws bent into different shapes and comparing the strength of different designs
  • E5: identifying, classifying and comparing common objects found on Country/Place as cubes, rectangular prisms, cylinders, cones and spheres
  • E6: investigating and explaining how First Nations Australians’ dwellings are oriented in the environment to accommodate climatic conditions (teaching context)

Australian, Victorian and NSW alignment retained from the previous page

RegionCurriculumClosest mapping
AustraliaAustralian Curriculum v9.0AC9M3SP01 — make, compare and classify objects, identifying key features and explaining why these features make them suited to their uses
VictoriaVictorian Curriculum F-10Year 3 Maths: closest match in Space. Use this page as a VIC-aligned practice and worksheet reference.
NSWNSW CurriculumStage 2 Maths: closest content focus for Make, compare and classify objects, identifying key features and explaining why these features make them suited to their uses and related outcomes.
Questions and answersWith answers
What is the big idea in this topic?
Objects can be compared and classified by features such as faces, edges, vertices, curved surfaces, strength, stability and how they are used.
What routine should I use?
Observe object → Identify features → Compare → Classify → Link feature to use
How do I know I am ready to move on?
You can identify 3d features, compare objects, classify objects, link features to uses, build for purpose and explain how your model or calculation supports the answer.
Practice and reviewReady for practice
  • Classifying only by colour — Use structural features relevant to the purpose.
  • 2D and 3D terms mixed — Faces are surfaces; edges are where faces meet.
  • Feature not linked to use — Explain why the feature is helpful.

  1. Explain why a rectangular prism may suit packaging better than a sphere.

  2. A student sorts objects only by colour. Explain a more mathematical classification.

Review hint: Follow the routine “Observe object → Identify features → Compare → Classify → Link feature to use” and use the worked model to check whether your answer is reasonable.

Curriculum alignmentStart here

Objects can be compared and classified by features such as faces, edges, vertices, curved surfaces, strength, stability and how they are used.

Learning routine: Observe object → Identify features → Compare → Classify → Link feature to use

Success looks like

  • Identify 3D features
  • Compare objects
  • Classify objects
  • Link features to uses
  • Build for purpose

Success criteria:

  • Identify 3D features
  • Compare objects
  • Classify objects
  • Link features to uses
  • Build for purpose
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