Sculpture & 3D: Abstract shape
This unit focuses on teaching learners how to transform 2D card shapes into three-dimensional structures. Learners explore abstract shapes and space, develop skills in constructing 3D objects, and understand the difference between 2D and 3D art.
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- Cambridge Primary Art & Design >
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Unit 3: Sculpture and 3D: Abstract shape and space
Unit outcomes
Learners who are secure will be able to:
- Try out different ways to make card shapes three-dimensional.
- Make a structure that holds its 3D shape.
- Explain in simple terms the difference between 2D and 3D art.
- Combine shapes to make an interesting free-standing sculpture.
- Try out more than one way to create joins between shapes.
- Identify familiar 2D shapes in photographs.
- Identify shapes in the negative space between objects.
- Draw a cardboard model from different angles, focusing on shapes in the positive and negative space to achieve an abstract effect.
- Plan an abstract sculpture based on play equipment.
- Show that they have learned how to shape materials in more than one way (e.g. by folding and rolling).
- Choose appropriate methods for joining elements in their sculptures.
- Show that they have thought about how to improve their sculptures and made choices about what to add.
- Work cooperatively in pairs to add detail to their artwork.
Suggested prior learning
Unit 3: Sculpture and 3D: Clay houses
Get startedLessons
Lesson 1: Structural shapes
- To join 2D shapes to make 3D structures.
Lesson 2: Constructing in 3D
- To explore new ways of joining materials to create an abstract sculpture.
Lesson 3: Seeing space
- To plan an abstract sculpture using understanding of positive and negative space.
Lesson 4: Abstract sculpture
- To apply knowledge of sculpture to create 3D artwork.
Lesson 5: Surface decoration
- To evaluate and improve an artwork.
Key skills
Experiencing:
- E.01 Encounter, sense,
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Key vocabulary
abstract
balance
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Related content
Resources
Unit resources


Art and design
Vocabulary display – Art and design S3: Sculpture and 3D: Abstract shape and space
A display version of the unit vocabulary.