Describe and name 3d shapes – prisms and pyramids
I can recognise and name pyramids and prisms and describe their properties.
Describe and name 3d shapes – prisms and pyramids
I can recognise and name pyramids and prisms and describe their properties.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A prism is a 3D shape that has identical opposite polygon faces at each end which are joined by rectangular faces.
- A pyramid is a 3D shape that has a base and an apex at the opposite end to the base.
- A prism always has two opposite, identical polygon faces. A prism can be named after its identical polygon faces.
- A pyramid has a polygon as its base, which is the face opposite the apex. A pyramid can be named after its base.
Keywords
Prism - A 3D shape that has two opposite, identical polygon faces, joined by rectangular faces.
Pyramid - A 3D shape that has a base and an apex at the opposite end to the base, joined by triangular faces.
Common misconception
Children may find it difficult to name the shape of the faces that cannot be seen in drawings of 3D shapes.
Provide 3D shapes for children to handle alongside the drawings. Encourage them to visualise the shape rotating to help them identify and describe each face of the shape.
To help you plan your year 2 maths lesson on: Describe and name 3d shapes – prisms and pyramids, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 2 maths lesson on: Describe and name 3d shapes – prisms and pyramids, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 1 maths lessons from the Shape: discuss and compare 2D and 3D shapes unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
one circular face and one vertex
six square faces
no faces and no vertices
a face
a vertex
a curved surface
is a face.
is a vertex.
is an edge.
cylinder
sphere
cuboid
cone
6 rectangular faces, 8 vertices and 12 edges
two circular faces, no vertices and no edges
one circular face and one vertex
Exit quiz
6 Questions
apex
base
triangular face
triangular-based pyramid
square-based pyramid
hexagonal-based pyramid
has some triangular faces that meet at an apex
has two opposite, identical polygon faces