Minds On

Which perspective?

When we explore objects from different views, we might notice different features of the object. Each view provides a different perspective.

Here is a table from different perspectives.

What do you notice?

Consider the following questions:

  • What happens when we explore an object from different perspectives?
  • How does that change the view of the object?

Record your ideas in a notebook or a method of your choice.

Action

Exploring different views

In the Minds On section, you explored a table from different perspectives: top, side, and front. If we want to represent that object in a drawing or plan, we need to provide specific information and details.

For example, we can use shading or lines to help represent different heights. We can also consider the object from different views.

3D shapes. A rectangle-based prism, sphere, cube, cone, pyramid, triangle-based prism, and cylinder.

Now, let’s explore three different objects.

A shape with stacked cubes. The number of cubes from left to right in each stack is as follows: 1 cube, 2 cubes, 5 cubes, and 2 cubes.

Cubes form a shape. A column of 5 cubes, 3 cubes in a row on the bottom right, 2 cubes connect to the row, and on top is one cube.

Cubes form a shape. The bottom has two rows of 3 cubes, so 6 base cubes. On top of the base cubes, there is a 2 cube row in the back.

You will use a method of your choice to describe the top, front, and side views of each object. Object A is provided as an example in following table.

Complete the following table for object B and C. You may use cube blocks and then represent each view by drawing it and/or describing it through text or recording.

There are multiple ways of describing each view. For example, you can include the number of angles, number of squares, number of sides, or number of vertices.

Perspectives of 3D Objects

Object A
Front view Side view Top view
A shape with stacked cubes. The number of cubes from left to right in each stack is as follows: 1 cube, 2 cubes, 5 cubes, and 2 cubes.

The front view of the object has 9 squares. It creates a closed shape, with 10 sides. I count 10 right angles.

 4 squares stacked on top of each other.

The side view of the object has 4 squares. I notice it also creates the shape of a rectangle, but the position is vertical compared to the top view. Since it is a rectangle, I know that it has 4 sides, 4 right angles, and 4 vertices.

4 squares connected horizontally.

The top view of the object has 4 squares. I notice that it creates the shape of a rectangle. Because of this, I know it has 4 right angles, 4 sides and 4 vertices.

Object B
Front view Side view Top view

Object C
Front view Side view Top view

Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Perspectives of 3D Objects. 

Activity (Open PDF in a new window)

Once you have completed your table with the different perspectives of object B and C, you may check your answers with the following matching activity.

Object B

Object C

Task 2: Objects in the real world

Choose objects that you would like to describe from different perspectives.

Can you draw or describe three different perspectives/views of each object?

You can also choose any of the following objects. Identify the current view, and then represent the object in the two views that are remaining.

Record your ideas in a notebook or a method of your choice.

Consolidation

Real world application

Understanding objects from different perspectives is an important skill that is used in many different kinds of professions. For example, architects use top view and side view to help create plans for buildings and homes, both outside and inside each floor.

Floor plans of a house in top view. Side view of a building plan.

Become an architect!

Create your own drawing! Design your own structure or floor plan. Complete your drawing of either the top view, side view, or front view using the following grid paper provided or another method of your choice.

Grid Paper

Press the Activity button to to access Grid Paper.

Activity (Open PDF in a new tab)

Connections

Real world connections

What kinds of other professions might use top, front, or side views in their work?

Record your ideas in a notebook or a method of your choice.

Reflection

As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

I feel...

Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.