Primary 2 2D and 3D Shapes

2D shape patterns

A repeating pattern has a part that appears again and again. Look for a change in size, shape, colour or orientation (the way a shape is turned). Find the repeating part before choosing what comes next.

What comes next?

Step 0 of 3

Common mistake: Looking only at the shape just before the blank. Compare the first pair with the second pair; the whole pair repeats. A turned triangle is still a triangle, so check its orientation too.

3D shapes and their properties

A flat face is level like the top of a box. A curved surface bends like the side of a can. An edge is where surfaces meet; a vertex is a pointed corner. Drag a shape to turn it, then open its properties.

CubeShow properties ↓

Flat faces: 6

Curved surfaces: 0

Edges and vertices: 12 straight edges; 8 vertices

Try: A dice can stack and slide on its flat faces.

CuboidShow properties ↓

Flat faces: 6

Curved surfaces: 0

Edges and vertices: 12 straight edges; 8 vertices

Try: A tissue box can stack and slide on its flat faces.

ConeShow properties ↓

Flat faces: 1

Curved surfaces: 1

Edges and vertices: 1 curved edge; 1 vertex at the tip

Try: A party hat can stand on its base and roll on its curved side.

CylinderShow properties ↓

Flat faces: 2

Curved surfaces: 1 around the side

Edges and vertices: 2 curved edges; 0 vertices

Try: A can can stand on a flat face and roll on its curved side.

SphereShow properties ↓

Flat faces: 0

Curved surfaces: 1 all around

Edges and vertices: 0 edges; 0 vertices

Try: A ball rolls in any direction. The orange dot only helps you see it turn; it is not an edge.

Common mistake: Counting the cylinder's round side as a third flat face. It has 2 flat circular faces and 1 curved surface.

Printables

Print a cube or cuboid net at 100% size. Cut along the solid outside line, fold the dashed inside lines, then tape the open edges together.

Cube net

Six equal square faces. Each edge is 4 cm.

Solid line: cut Dashed line: fold

Use tape to join the open edges after folding.

Open both nets as separate A4 pages →