Teaching article

Top and side views reveal different parts of the same model

Use separate viewpoints to reveal different dimensions.

A sloping support can be almost invisible from above and obvious from the side. Compare the views with the physical stand present so children can match corresponding features rather than treating the sketches as separate objects.

The side view shows a sloping support that a top view can hide.

Which view answers this question?

Observe from above. Observe from the side. Label corresponding features.

Identify corresponding features across both views. A reader needs to understand that the drawings show the same model from different positions.

A single sketch may omit depth.

Which view answers the question? Use photographs.

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