3D shapes inquiry

"Hey mom! Look at this cone! It has a circle and a triangle in it!" exclaimed Shrini pointing to the base and sides of a funnel.That was a very interesting observation. Often times an inquiry arises through observations rather than 'I wonder' kind of questions when involving 3 year olds.
I thought working on 3D shapes is a relevant topic now since I could understand from her statement that she could comprehend both 2D and 3D shapes. They have already been introduced 3D shapes using Montessori three period lesson. After-all, there are no 2D shapes in a 3D world except on paper. It is time for them to view the world in 3D.
How can we go about this inquiry? For any other topic, my first step would be get books  on the topic. But 3D shapes are something very real and are to be understood through our senses.
So, this inquiry is going to be series of provocations and Montessori inspired activities.

Here are 3 fun ways to explore 3D solids.
1. Geometric solids and Kinectic sand free play
2. Building 3D shapes with Magnatiles
3. 3D shapes Feely game


Provocation 1: Geometric solids and Kinetic sand

I laid out Learning Resources Geometric Solids in a tub of Kinetic Sand and let the kids explore. They took out each solid and guessed the shape. Then started free play. They poured sand from one shape to another observing which shapes are easier to fill with sand.
They made impressions on the sand and observed shapes of base and sides of each solid.

Here is a short video of Sid identifying a few 3D solids.