What Are Real-World Examples of 3D Shapes?

Look around the room you are currently sitting in. It is safe to say that you are likely surrounded by 3D objects! 

Our youngest students first learn about the concept of a three-dimensional object through their interactions with everyday environments. The gift they received for their birthday is packed in a cube-shaped box; the party hat they place on their head is a cone; the candles on top of their birthday cake are cylinders!

While this informal knowledge is a vital stepping stone in becoming more familiar with the concept of a 3D object, there comes a point where students must learn the mathematical names of these common shapes. 

Search for 3D Objects in the Environment

This worksheet has been designed to support your students to recognise and name familiar three-dimensional objects in the environment.

Students are required to find a 3D object in the environment that matches those listed on the worksheet. They must draw a picture of the object and write its name. The three-dimensional objects that feature on the worksheet are:

• Cylinder
• Pyramid
• Sphere
• Cube
• Cone

More Ways to Use This 3D Shapes Activity

This resource looks deceptively simple at first glance… but why not shake things up a little?

Add a time limit that the students must adhere to when searching for each 3D object. Points could be awarded every time a 3D object is found before the time elapses!

Alternatively, why not make the scavenger hunt a team challenge? Students could take turns finding each 3D object. The first team to find all five objects within their immediate environment and record them on the worksheet is the winner!

Download This 3D Shape Worksheet

Use the dropdown menu next to the Download button to select between the editable Google Slides or the easy-print PDF version of this resource.

This resource was created by Kaylyn Chupp, a Teach Starter collaborator.

Looking for more fabulous 3D object resources? Why not browse through the options below!

teaching resource

2D Shape and 3D Object Flashcards

Explore 2D shapes and 3D objects with this set of 20 full-page flashcards.

teaching resource

Real Life 3D Objects – Interactive PowerPoint

Explore three-dimensional objects in the real world with this engaging interactive activity.

teaching resource

3D Objects and Their Properties - Puzzles

Explore the names and properties of some of the most common 3D shapes with this set of 8 puzzles.