Recognise and describe 3D shapes | Year 3 Mathematics PDF Download

Properties of 3D Shapes

3D shapes have three dimensions - length, width and depth. 3D shapes have different properties:

• Faces: Faces are flat surfaces on a 3D shape. For instance, a cube comprises 6 faces.
• Edges: Edges are where two faces meet. A cube, for example, has 12 edges.
• Vertices: Vertices are corners where edges meet. In the case of a cube, it has 8 vertices.

Types of 3D Shapes

Let's explore some common 3D shapes and their characteristics:

Sphere

A sphere is a three-dimensional shape that is perfectly round like a ball.
A sphere has:

• 1 curved face
• No vertices
• No edges

Cube

A cube is a three-dimensional shape with equal sides and angles.
A cube has:

• 6 faces (all shaped like squares)
• 12 edges
• 8 vertices

Cuboid

A cuboid is a three-dimensional shape that resembles a box or a rectangular prism.
A cuboid has:

• 6 faces (all rectangular, or a mix of rectangles and squares)
• 12 edges
• 8 vertices

Square-based Pyramid

A square-based pyramid resembles the pyramids in Egypt, featuring a square face at the bottom.

• 5 faces: 1 square and 4 triangular
• 8 edges
• 5 vertices

Cone

Cones are seen in shapes like ice cream cones, traffic cones, and birthday hats.

• 2 faces: 1 circular at the base and 1 curved
• 1 edge around the base
• 1 vertex

Cylinder

Cylinders resemble tubes and toilet rolls in shape.

• 3 faces: 2 circular and 1 curved
• 2 edges
• 0 vertices

Tetrahedron

A tetrahedron is a triangular-based pyramid with the following characteristics:

• 4 faces, all of which are triangular
• 6 edges
• 4 vertices

Triangular Prism

Another interesting shape is the triangular prism, which includes:

• 5 faces (2 triangular and 3 rectangular)
• 9 edges
• 6 vertices

Prisms

• Prisms are characterized by having two ends that are the same shape and size. 
• They maintain the same cross-section throughout their length. 
• Cutting through a prism at any point reveals the same 2D shape as at either end.