This document defines and provides examples of different 3D shapes (polyhedra and non-polyhedra). It explains that polyhedra are solid figures with polygon faces, while prisms have two parallel congruent bases and pyramids have one base. Examples are given for naming polyhedra based on their base shape and whether they are a prism or pyramid. The document also describes how to construct nets (unfolded shapes) for prisms and pyramids.

1. Solids
Space Figures
3D Shapes

2. Polyhedra (pl) or Polyhedron (s)
• A solid figure that has polygons for its
faces.
• A solid figure with a curved surface is
NOT a polyhedron!

3. Prism (polyhedron)
• A solid that has two congruent and
parallel bases
• All other faces are parallelograms

4. Pyramid (polyhedron)
• A solid that has only 1 base
• All other faces are triangles

5. Definitions
• Faces – the flat surfaces of the shape
• Edges – the line segments that are
formed by the faces connecting
• Vertices – the corners where the edges
meet (sing. – vertex)
Vertex
Face
Edge

6. Solids (non-polyhedra)
• Cones – 1 base that is a circle
• Cylinders – 2 bases that are circles
• Spheres – all points equidistance from
the center in 3D form

7. To name a polyhedron:
• First name the shape of the base
• Then determine if the shape is a prism
or pyramid
• The name of the 3-D shape is the
combination of the name of the base
plus the word “prism” or “pyramid” after it

8. You try it…name that shape!

9. Nets
AKA: flat pattern

10. Basic Construction
• Prisms –
• Have 2 parallel and congruent bases
• The base shape tells you how many other
faces you will have
• All other faces will be parallelograms
• Pyramids
• Have 1 base
• The base shape will tell you how many
other faces you will have
• All other faces will be triangles

11. How to make a net for a prism.
• Draw a rectangle.
• Place the base shape on top and one
on bottom.

12. How to make a net for a prism.
• Count the number of sides on the base
and have the same number of
rectangles

13. How to make a net for a prism.
• Make certain that you have a base on
top and one on bottom, otherwise it
does not matter where you place the
base shapes.

14. How to make a net for a pyramid.
• Draw the base shape. The number of
sides will tell you how many triangles to
add to the shape.

15. How to make a net for a pyramid.
• Then attach a triangle to each side of
the base polygon.

16. An alternative way to make a
prism.

17. You try it…name that shape!

18. You try it…name that shape!