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Grade 6 Mathematics

Term 3 CAPS Framework: Length, 2D shapes, symmetry, transformations, 3D objects, area, perimeter and volume. A colourful learner-friendly study hub for building confidence in measurement and geometry.

Grade 6Term 3MathematicsCAPS-aligned

Term 3 Topic Overview

In Term 3, learners develop practical measuring skills, investigate 2D and 3D shapes, explore symmetry and transformations, and solve problems involving perimeter, area and volume.

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1. Length: Practical Measuring

Measurementmmcmmkm

Learners estimate and practically measure lengths of 2D shapes and 3D objects. They use instruments such as rulers, metre sticks, tape measures and trundle wheels.

Key idea: Always choose the correct measuring instrument and unit. A ruler is useful for small objects, a tape measure for longer objects, and a trundle wheel for longer distances.

Units of length

  • Millimetres (mm): very small lengths
  • Centimetres (cm): short classroom objects
  • Metres (m): rooms, desks and sports fields
  • Kilometres (km): long distances between places

Conversions

  • 10 mm = 1 cm
  • 100 cm = 1 m
  • 1 000 m = 1 km
  • Use common fractions and decimal fractions up to 2 decimal places.
Example: 1,5 m = 150 cm. 2,25 km = 2 250 m.
Study activity

Measure five objects at home. Record your estimate, actual measurement and unit in a table.

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2. Properties of 2D Shapes

PolygonsSidesAnglesCircles

Learners recognise, describe, sort and compare 2D shapes. They focus on regular and irregular polygons, including triangles, squares, rectangles, parallelograms, quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons, heptagons and octagons.

Features of shapes

  • Number of sides
  • Length of sides
  • Size of angles
  • Similarities and differences between shapes

Types of angles

  • Acute: smaller than a right angle
  • Right: exactly 90°
  • Obtuse: larger than 90° but smaller than 180°
  • Straight: 180°
  • Reflex: larger than 180°
  • Revolution: 360°
Practical work: Draw 2D shapes on grid paper. Draw circles and circular patterns using a pair of compasses.
Study question

How are rectangles and parallelograms similar, and how are they different?

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3. Symmetry and Transformations

Line symmetryRotationTranslationReflection

Learners recognise, draw and describe lines of symmetry in 2D shapes. They also use transformations to create composite shapes and patterns.

Symmetry: A shape has line symmetry when one half is a mirror image of the other half.

Transformations

  • Rotation: turning a shape
  • Translation: sliding a shape
  • Reflection: flipping a shape

Patterns and tessellations

Learners create patterns by tracing and moving shapes in one or more ways. They describe patterns from nature, modern life and cultural heritage.

Example: A butterfly shows line symmetry. A tiled floor may show repeated translations or rotations.
Activity: Create a tessellated pattern using a shape of your choice. Describe whether you used rotation, translation or reflection.
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4. Properties of 3D Objects

PrismsCubesTetrahedronsPyramids

Learners recognise, visualise and name 3D objects in the environment and geometric settings. They focus on rectangular prisms, cubes, tetrahedrons and pyramids.

Characteristics of 3D objects

  • Number and shape of faces
  • Number of vertices
  • Number of edges
  • Similarities and differences between objects

Model building

Learners make 3D models using drinking straws, toothpicks and nets. This helps them understand how faces, edges and vertices connect.

Vocabulary: A face is a flat surface, an edge is where two faces meet, and a vertex is a corner point.
Study activity

Draw the net of a cube. Build the cube and count the faces, edges and vertices.

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5. Area, Perimeter and Volume

PerimeterAreaVolumeCapacity

Learners measure and calculate perimeter, find area by counting squares on grids, and investigate volume and capacity by packing or filling objects.

Perimeter

Perimeter is the distance around a shape.

Perimeter = add all side lengths

Area

Area is the amount of flat surface covered by a shape.

Area of rectangle = length × width

Volume

Volume tells us how much space a 3D object takes up.

Volume of rectangular prism = length × width × height

Investigations

  • Relationship between perimeter and area of rectangles and squares
  • Relationship between surface area and volume of rectangular prisms
  • Find volume/capacity by packing or filling objects
Grid activity: Draw three rectangles on grid paper. Count the squares to find the area, then add the outside sides to find the perimeter.
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6. Study and Practice Skills

ThinkExplorePractiseAchieve

Mathematics improves through regular practice, careful checking and explaining your thinking. Learners should use drawings, measurements and real objects wherever possible.

What learners should be able to do

  • Estimate, measure and convert lengths
  • Identify and compare 2D shapes
  • Use symmetry and transformations
  • Describe 3D objects by faces, vertices and edges
  • Calculate perimeter, area and volume

Problem-solving habits

  • Read the question carefully
  • Underline important information
  • Choose the correct formula or method
  • Show all working
  • Check whether the answer makes sense
Remember: Maths is everywhere. Measure, draw, build, compare and practise a little every day.

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