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The 2D Shapes block displays a geometric shape with customizable dimensions, side labels, and angle labels. Use it to teach shape properties, perimeter, area, and angle concepts.

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When to use 2D Shapes blocks

2D Shapes blocks work well for:
  • Displaying shapes with labeled sides and angles
  • Teaching properties of different geometric shapes
  • Showing dimensions for perimeter and area calculations
  • Illustrating angle types (right angles, acute, obtuse)
  • Providing visual references for geometry activities

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Available shapes

The block supports ten common 2D shapes:
  • Triangle
  • Rectangle
  • Square
  • Parallelogram
  • Trapezoid
  • Rhombus
  • Pentagon
  • Hexagon
  • Circle
  • Semicircle

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Settings

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Shape settings

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Shape
select
default:"Triangle"
The geometric shape to display. Each shape has its own set of dimension, side label, and angle label options.
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Size
select
default:"Medium"
The display size of the shape:
  • Small: Compact display
  • Medium: Standard display
  • Large: Larger display for projection or emphasis
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Rotation
slider
default:"0"
Rotates the shape from -180 to 180 degrees. Useful for showing shapes in non-standard orientations.
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Show grid
switch
default:"false"
When enabled, displays a background grid behind the shape for reference.

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Color settings

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Fill color
color
default:"#E3F2FD"
The interior fill color of the shape.
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Stroke color
color
default:"#333333"
The outline color of the shape.

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Dimensions

Depending on the selected shape, you can set dimensions like:
  • Base and Height (triangles, parallelograms, trapezoids)
  • Width and Height (rectangles)
  • Side length (squares, pentagons, hexagons)
  • Radius (circles, semicircles)
  • Top side length (trapezoids)
  • Offset (parallelograms)

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Side and angle labels

Each shape has toggles to show or hide labels on specific sides and angles. When a label is shown, you can customize the text displayed (e.g., “5 cm” or “base”). This lets you show as much or as little information as needed for your activity.

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Tips for teachers and parents

Best practices:
  • Use Rotation to present shapes in unfamiliar orientations so learners recognize shapes regardless of position
  • Show only the dimensions needed for the current activity (e.g., show base and height for area calculations)
  • Use side labels with values for measurement activities, or with variable names (like “x”) for algebraic thinking
  • Turn on the grid for activities where learners count grid squares to find area
  • Show angle labels with degree values for angle identification activities
  • Use multiple 2D Shapes blocks side by side to compare properties of different shapes
  • Angle: For interactive angle displays
  • Angle Question: For assessable angle measurement activities