AC9M8SP03 • Year 8 Maths

The position and location of objects in 3 dimensions in...: Year 8 Maths topic guide

describe the position and location of objects in 3 dimensions in different ways, including using a three-dimensional coordinate system with the use of dynamic geometric software and other digital tools

What students learn in AC9M8SP03

This unit helps students build a clear, usable understanding of The position and location of objects in 3 dimensions in.... The goal is not to memorise one answer pattern. Students should be able to explain the idea, recognise it in a new example and apply it in a short practice or worksheet task.

  • Start with the main idea: describe the position and location of objects in 3 dimensions in different ways, including using a three-dimensional coordinate system with the use of dynamic geometric software and other digital tools.
  • Use concrete examples, pictures, oral explanation and short written responses before moving to independent practice.
  • locating aircraft/drones using latitude, longitude and altitude as a three-dimensional coordinate system constructing three-dimensional objects using 3D printers or designing software that uses a three-dimensional coordinate system
  • Finish with mixed questions so students must choose the correct strategy rather than copy the last example.

Curriculum coverage and elaborations

The content description and elaborations below show the curriculum ideas taught in this unit. Items marked as teaching context support lesson planning but may not appear in the initial eight-question activity.

  • Content description: describe the position and location of objects in 3 dimensions in different ways, including using a three-dimensional coordinate system with the use of dynamic geometric software and other digital tools
  • E1: locating aircraft/drones using latitude, longitude and altitude as a three-dimensional coordinate system
  • E2: constructing three-dimensional objects using 3D printers or designing software that uses a three-dimensional coordinate system
  • E3: comparing and contrasting two-dimensional and three-dimensional coordinate systems by highlighting what is the same and what is different, including virtual maps versus street views
  • E4: using dynamic geometry software to construct shapes and objects within the first octant of a three-dimensional coordinate system
  • E5: interpreting three-dimensional coordinate locations for objects in multi-storey car parks; playing games based on three-dimensional coordinate systems such as three-dimensional Noughts and Crosses (Tic-Tac-Toe)
  • E6: exploring position and transformation through geospatial technologies used by First Nations Australians’ communities (teaching context)

How to use this unit

Read the topic guide, use the teacher slide for instruction, then complete the Worksheet, Practice and Test. These three activities use the same eight-question unit bank.

Teacher resource

AC9M8SP03 teacher slide

Use this one-page PDF to introduce the key idea, vocabulary and teaching sequence before students begin the activities.

Open teacher slide (PDF)

Common mistakes to watch for

  • Rushing to a rule before checking the concrete model, drawing or number sentence.
  • Using the correct answer once but not being able to explain why it works.
  • Mixing up similar vocabulary such as more/less, before/after, longer/shorter or equal groups/sharing.

International curriculum mapping

This table gives closest-topic mapping for search and planning. The Australian Curriculum code is exact; overseas entries are broad equivalents because each jurisdiction structures outcomes differently.

RegionCurriculumClosest mapping
AustraliaAustralian Curriculum v9.0AC9M8SP03 — describe the position and location of objects in 3 dimensions in different ways, including using a three-dimensional coordinate system with the use of dynamic geometric software and other digital tools
VictoriaVictorian Curriculum F-10Year 8 Maths: closest match in Space. Use this page as a VIC-aligned practice and worksheet reference.
NSWNSW CurriculumStage 4 Maths: closest content focus for The position and location of objects in 3 dimensions in... and related outcomes.
United StatesCommon Core / NGSSGrade 8 Common Core Mathematics/ELA closest topic match for The position and location of objects in 3 dimensions in....
England / UKNational CurriculumKey Stage 3 / Year 8: closest programme-of-study match for The position and location of objects in 3 dimensions in....
CanadaProvincial and territory curriculaGrade 8 closest topic match. Canada varies by province, so use this as a broad Ontario/BC-style learning outcome reference.
New ZealandNew Zealand CurriculumLevel 4 Maths: closest achievement-objective topic for The position and location of objects in 3 dimensions in....
IndiaNCERT / CBSEClass 8 closest NCERT/CBSE topic match for The position and location of objects in 3 dimensions in....

Related Year 8 Maths topics

Official curriculum references