New
New
The elements of art: shape and form
I can turn flat shapes into three-dimensional forms by folding, cutting and building a paper sculpture.
Lesson 5 of 7
New
New
- Year 7
The elements of art: shape and form
I can turn flat shapes into three-dimensional forms by folding, cutting and building a paper sculpture.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Shape is 2D and flat, whereas form is 3D and relates to the actual or perceived mass of an object
- We can use shape in our work to create interesting compositions
- Sculptures are a 3D form and can be made from a variety of interesting materials
- We can build larger forms by using repetition of shape.
Keywords
Shape - a two-dimensional, flat form defined by a line around the outer edge, limited to height and width.
Form - a three-dimensional element that has height, width and depth (either real or perceived)
Common misconception
Shape and form are the same thing.
Shape is flat and 2D, like a drawing. Form is 3D and has depth — you can see or feel it from different angles.
Encourage experimentation! Let students test different paper techniques (folding, curling, layering) before starting their final sculpture. Provide examples but avoid over-directing — this helps build confidence and creativity.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Scissors, glue, tape, rulers, pencils. Optional: card bases, clips for joins and coloured paper for variation.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which definition is correct? The elements of art are ...
Which definition is correct? The elements of art are ...
tools used to tidy up a drawing
techniques for making art digital
materials used to create texture
Q2.Which of the following lists contains only the elements of art?
Which of the following lists contains only the elements of art?
balance, colour, composition, form, line, shape, texture, tone, proportion
balance, colour, composition, form, line, shape, texture, tone, rhythm
colour, composition, contrast, line, motion, shape, texture, pattern
Q3. is the way in which different elements of an artwork are combined or arranged.
is the way in which different elements of an artwork are combined or arranged.
Q4.Match each art keyword to its correct definition.
Match each art keyword to its correct definition.
Q5. is how something looks or feels.
is how something looks or feels.
Q6. refers to the black, white and the grey values in between.
refers to the black, white and the grey values in between.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A shape is , but a form is 3D and takes up space.
A shape is , but a form is 3D and takes up space.
Q2.Which technique can turn a flat paper shape into a 3D form?
Which technique can turn a flat paper shape into a 3D form?
colouring
tracing
sketching
Q3.Artists and designers use repeated to build bigger forms.
Artists and designers use repeated to build bigger forms.
Q4.Which of these techniques is not used to connect paper?
Which of these techniques is not used to connect paper?
Flange
Gluing
Slotting
Q5.What is the main difference between form and depth in sculpture?
What is the main difference between form and depth in sculpture?
Depth refers to height and width, form is the flat appearance.
Form is texture, depth is the weight of an object.
Form and depth are the same thing.
Q6.Match the terms with their correct definitions:
Match the terms with their correct definitions:
