When we want to describe a 3-D shape it is useful to talk about the number of faces, edges and corners the shape has.
1. Label each arrow with the word ‘Face’, ‘Edge’ or ’Corner’.
CORNER FACE EDGE
2. Examine each of these 3-D shapes and fill in the correct number of faces, edges and corners.
Note: Sometimes faces are flat and sometimes they are curved. For example, a cylinder has two flat faces and one curved face. A sphere just has one curved face.
Cone Cuboid Sphere Cylinder Triangular Prism
Faces Edges
Corners More Exploring
A useful piece of information to give when describing a 3-D shape is to mention whether the shape can roll or slide or stack.
3. Investigate each of these 3-D shapes with a partner and put either a tick or a cross for each question.