What Is the Difference Between a Prism and a Pyramid?

As students become familiar with the concept of a three-dimensional shape, they’ll soon be introduced to the two major categories of these: prisms and pyramids. But what is the difference between a prism and a pyramid, and do they have anything in common?

Prisms

Prisms are three-dimensional shapes with two congruent bases. In kid-friendly language, this essentially means that the two bases are identical. The sides of a prism are rectangular in shape.

Pyramids

Pyramids are three-dimensional shapes with one base. The triangular faces of the pyramid meet at one vertex (point). 

What Are the Properties of Prisms and Pyramids?

Prisms and pyramids have similar properties. These include:

• Faces – flat surfaces
• Edges – the lines formed by two meeting faces
• Vertices – the points where two or more edges meet

Multiple Applications for These 3D Shape Posters

These versatile posters can be used in various ways to enhance your students’ learning of 3D shapes and their properties. Here are some suggestions.

1. Print the posters on tabloid paper and display them in your classroom as a reminder of the properties of prisms and pyramids.
2. As you teach your students about prisms and pyramids, provide students with a smaller version of the posters to paste into their notebooks.
3. Add this poster to a classroom display about 3D shapes. Encourage students to add examples of prisms and pyramids around each poster.

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