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Painted Sculptures - What Is The Difference Between 2D and 3D?

Part of Early Years Week

We are going to learn about the difference between 2D and 3D shapes.

The difference between the 2-dimensional flat shapes and 3-dimensional solid objects can be found all around your house and hands-on creation can help our early explorers understand the difference between 2D and 3D.

Follow our activity sheet to create 3D sculptures for different ages and find some ideas to spark your inspirations. You can even try to mix the 2D and 3D shapes in your sculptures.

Now watch our video to learn more and download our 3D Shapes Activities Sheet (PDF).

2D and 3D Shapes - Art and Science - Early Years Week

Here are some ideas if they need inspiration:

  • Make a juice carton into a little house.
  • Tissue box into a boat with a paper sail or a bigger box into a castle with tubes for turrets.
  • If you have a big enough box, make something to sit inside. Sometimes wee ones might enjoy the freedom of painting onto junk materials as it means there is no pressure to produce something 'good' and they are able to experiment and have fun.
Some Science: 2-dimensional shapes are flat like a drawing on a page. They only have length and height. When something has 3 dimensions, you can reach out and feel it. It has length, height and depth. A good way to explain the difference to young children is to show them a circle of paper or tinfoil and explain how it is flat and can lie on the table – it’s 2D. Then ask them to crumple it up into a ball and explain how it’s now a ball that they can hold in their hand – it’s 3D.
Painted Sculptures
Painted Sculptures

Turn 2D shapes into a 3D sculpture by trying this activity sheet to build a slotting sculpture. You will be able to keep changing and rebuilding your sculpture for endless possibilities using DCA's Cut and Slot Sculpture Kit instructions.

Painted Sculptures
3D Shapes Activities Sheet
3D Shapes Activities Sheet (PDF)
Painted Sculptures
Painted Sculptures (PDF) - What Is The Difference Between 2D and 3D?

This page is part of the Early Years Week information.

If you have enjoyed these activities please share them with your friends and family.