Compare solid shapes
Look at how the faces and corners change from shape to shape.
6 faces12 edges8 vertices
6 faces12 edges8 vertices
1 curved surface0 edges0 vertices
Some 3-D shapes have only flat faces, while others have curved surfaces.
Year 2
Identify and describe the properties of 3-D shapes, including the number of edges, vertices and faces
Describe solid shapes by their faces, edges and vertices.
Lesson overview
Geometry - properties of shape
A 3-D shape is a solid shape. We can describe it by looking at its faces, edges and vertices. A face is a flat or curved surface. An edge is where faces meet. A vertex is a corner.
Circular faces
A cylinder has 2 circular faces and 1 curved surface.
2 circular faces2 edges0 vertices
1 circular face1 edge1 vertex
Curved surfaces do not make the shape flat.
Corners on solids
A pyramid has a point where edges meet at the top.
flat facesedgesvertices
Vertices are the corners of a 3-D shape.
Worked example
How do we know this solid is a sphere?
curved surfaceno edgesno vertices
- Look for flat faces first.
- This solid has no flat faces and no corners.
- It has one curved surface all the way round.
- That means it is a sphere.
Try it
Use the shape properties to decide which solid is being described.
Question 1
Which solid has no vertices?
8 vertices
0 vertices
1 vertex
Question 2
Which shape has 6 square faces?
6 square faces
2 circular faces
curved surface
Question 3
How many vertices does a cone have?
Question 4
Which solid has 2 circular faces?
2 circular faces
1 circular face
square faces
Question 5
Which statement is correct?
facesedgesvertices
Common mistakes
Watch for these when working through the lesson.
- Calling curved surfaces faces without checking the shape carefully.
- Mixing up edges and vertices.
- Thinking a sphere has corners because it is round.
Related topics
These ideas fit closely with this lesson.
- Identify 2-D shapes on the surface of 3-D shapes.
- Compare and sort common 2-D and 3-D shapes and everyday objects.