Year 2 - Maths
Describe and name 3D shapes
Shape: discuss and compare 2D and 3D shapes
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Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will learn that polygons can be described, sorted, compared and named according to the number of sides and vertices. They will describe 3D shapes, finding different ways to sort and compare them.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to recognise and name cones, cylinders, cubes, cuboids and spheres and describe their properties.
Key Notes
- A property of a 3D shape can be the number of faces, edges or vertices it has.
- Each face of a 3D shape is a 2D shape.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Cuboid: A 3D shape with 6 rectangular faces.
- Cube: A 3D shape with 6 identical square faces.
- Cone: A 3D shape with one circular face, one curved surface and one vertex.
- Sphere: A 3D shape with one curved surface.
- Cylinder: A 3D shape with two circular faces and one curved surface.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Children may think that a curved surface is a face, or the curved line where a curved surface meets a flat face is an edge.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
A property of a 3D shape can be the number of faces, edges or vertices it has. Each face of a 3D shape is a 2D shape.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Cuboid'
A 3D shape with 6 rectangular faces. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Children may think that a curved surface is a face, or the curved line where a curved surface meets a flat face is an edge. Correction: Handle the shapes and discuss how faces and edges feel. Write these descriptions down and use them to help the children distinguish between faces and curved surfaces, or curved lines and edges.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Describe and name 3d shapes – prisms and pyramids Study Guide
- Describe and name polygons, including triangles and quadrilaterals Study Guide
- Describe, name and sort polygons, including pentagons, hexagons and octagons Study Guide
- Discuss and compare 3D shapes Study Guide
- Discuss and compare polygons Study Guide
- Find different ways to sort 3D shapes Study Guide
- Investigate how polygons can be joined and folded to form 3D shapes Study Guide
- Lines of symmetry Study Guide
- Recognise and sort polygons Study Guide
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