3D Shapes

Start with the features of solids

The mind maps on this page offer several starting points. One 3D Shapes map separates solids with curved sides from polyhedra with flat faces. It introduces cones, spheres and cylinders alongside the idea of polygon faces. Another 3D Shapes map focuses on pyramids and prisms, describing their bases, faces and cross sections.

Start with the first map for a broad overview, then use the second to compare shapes with flat faces. The repeated title belongs to different resources, so look at the map content when choosing.

Use a quiz alongside a map

The 3D shape quiz asks what a 3D shape can also be called and what vertices are. It is a useful next step after looking at the maps. Take it to check how familiar those terms feel, then return to a map to review the features you want to look at again.

The flashcard deck on polyhedra also covers terms including face, edge and vertices. You can use it alongside the maps to practice recalling the words without relying on the full diagrams.

Explore drawings and individual shapes

For another approach, the mind map on drawing solids covers isometric paper, nets of cubes and cuboids, and dashed lines for hidden edges. A separate shape mind map lists faces, vertices and edges for solids including the tetrahedron, hexagonal prism and cube.

These resources let you move between identifying a solid, describing its features and seeing how it can be drawn. Compare the descriptions across maps as you work.

Place the topic in its unit

In Mathematics, 3D Shapes is a section of the Geometry Basics and Shapes unit. The resources on this page keep the focus on solids and their features within that wider unit. Choose a resource that fits what you want to practice next.