Types of Polygons Construction Themed Math Activities

Definition

Types of polygons are categories of closed, two-dimensional (2D) shapes that are classified according to the number of their straight sides and angles. Every polygon is made of line segments that connect to form a closed figure without any gaps or curves. Common types of polygons include triangles (3 sides), quadrilaterals (4 sides), pentagons (5 sides), hexagons (6 sides), heptagons (7 sides), octagons (8 sides), nonagons (9 sides), and decagons (10 sides).

Learning about the different types of polygons helps students recognize, compare, and describe geometric shapes based on their attributes. Students begin by identifying the number of sides and vertices, then learn that polygons can also be classified as regular (all sides and angles are equal) or irregular (sides and/or angles are not all equal). As their understanding develops, students compare polygons with non-polygons by recognizing that polygons must have only straight sides and must form a closed shape.

Studying polygons builds a strong foundation for geometry and supports later topics such as perimeter, area, angles, symmetry, coordinate geometry, and three-dimensional figures. It also develops critical thinking and mathematical vocabulary as students explain why a shape belongs to a particular category.

This topic aligns with the following U.S. Common Core State Standards (CCSS), particularly in the following areas:

• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.G.A.1 – Recognize and draw shapes having specified attributes, such as a given number of angles or a given number of equal faces. Identify triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons, and cubes.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.G.A.1 – Understand that shapes in different categories may share attributes, and that the shared attributes can define a larger category (e.g., quadrilaterals). Recognize rhombuses, rectangles, and squares as examples of quadrilaterals.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.G.A.2 – Classify two-dimensional figures based on the presence or absence of parallel or perpendicular lines, or the presence or absence of angles of a specified size. Recognize right triangles as a category and identify right triangles.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.G.B.3 – Understand that attributes belonging to a category of two-dimensional figures also belong to all subcategories of that category (e.g., all rectangles have four right angles, so all squares are rectangles).

These standards encourage students to identify, classify, and compare polygons using their geometric properties, helping them build a deeper understanding of two-dimensional shapes and their relationships.

Types of Polygons Themed Activities

This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about Types of Polygons across 14 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Common core aligned 2nd Grade Math worksheets.

Each ready to use worksheet collection includes 10 activities and an answer guide. Not teaching common core standards? Don’t worry! All our worksheets are completely editable so can be tailored for your curriculum and target audience.

Resource Examples

Click any of the example images below to view a larger version.

Worksheets Activities Included

• Blueprint Shapes
• Build the Wall
• Crane Shape Search
• Roof Designer
• Safety Sign Inspector
• Window Builder
• Construction Supply Sort
• Brick Pattern Challenge
• Architect’s Blueprint
• Build the City

Frequently Asked Questions