Discuss and compare 3D shapes
I can discuss and compare the properties of 3D shapes.
Discuss and compare 3D shapes
I can discuss and compare the properties of 3D shapes.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- 3D shapes can be discussed and compared by their properties.
- The properties of 3D shapes are the faces, edges and vertices.
- 3D shapes can be compared using informal language such as taller, shorter, wider, narrower, smaller and larger.
Keywords
Compare - You compare to find out what is the same and what is different.
Faces - The flat 2D surfaces of a 3D shape.
Vertices - The corners of a shape where two or more edges meet.
Edges - The straight lines where two faces of a 3D shape meet.
Common misconception
Children may think that the tallest shape is always the largest.
Explore lots of different 3D shapes of different proportions. Allow children to handle and rotate the shapes. Use hollow shapes and explore filling them with water or sand to help children see that the largest shape is the one that can hold the most.
To help you plan your year 2 maths lesson on: Discuss and compare 3D shapes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 2 maths lesson on: Discuss and compare 3D shapes, 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.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
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
Starter quiz
6 Questions




A flat surface of a 3D shape.
A straight line on a 3D shape where two faces meet.
A point where two or more edges of a 3D shape meet. A corner.

Exit quiz
6 Questions





