L2 · Prisms, pyramids and cones

Learning goal

“I can name a prism, a pyramid, and a cone by their faces and their point.”

Prism — in this unit, a box-like object, like a cereal box. All its faces are flat.

Pyramid — an object with a square bottom and triangle faces that meet at a point.

Cone — an object with a flat circle bottom, a curved side, and a point at the top.

Point — the sharp top where faces come together.

Worked example

First object: its bottom face is a square. Four triangle faces lean in and meet at a point on top. Step 1: Count the faces: 1 square bottom and 4 triangle sides - 5 faces. Step 2: Ask: do faces meet at a point? Yes. Step 3: This object is a pyramid. Second object: a cereal box. It has 6 faces. Every face is flat, and its faces are rectangles. It has no point. This box is a prism. Say it plainly: a pyramid can be spotted by its triangle faces meeting at a point.

Check yourself — explain it

How do you know an object is a pyramid?

Paired problem — example still visible

An object has a square bottom. Its 4 side faces are triangles that meet at a point. Name the object. -> A pyramid

Faded completion — last step is yours

"A pyramid's triangle faces meet at a ___ on top." -> point

Ready to practise?

8 scored questions with a 3-rung hint ladder. Mastery needs 7/8 plus both gate questions.

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