Primary 5 Mathematics Lesson: Three-Dimensional Shapes (3-D Shapes)

Primary 5 Third Term Mathematics Lesson Note – Week 5


Lesson Details


Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

  1. Identify different types of 3-dimensional shapes.

  2. State the properties (faces, edges, and vertices) of common 3-D shapes.

  3. Mention real-life examples of 3-D shapes.

  4. Draw simple 3-D shapes.

  5. Compare 3-D shapes based on number of faces, edges, and vertices.


Keywords

  • Three-dimensional

  • Faces

  • Edges

  • Vertices

  • Cube

  • Cylinder

  • Cone

  • Sphere

  • Cuboid

  • Pyramid


Set Induction (Starter)

The teacher displays physical 3-D shapes (e.g. a cube, ball, can, cone) and asks:
“Have you ever seen objects like these? What are they called?”
Pupils respond based on observation and curiosity.


Entry Behaviour

Pupils already know about flat shapes (2-D) like square, triangle, and circle.


Learning Resources and Materials

  • Real 3-D objects (ball, box, dice, cone, tin, can)

  • Flashcards

  • Charts with 3-D shape diagrams

  • Marker and board

  • Videos or animations (if available)


Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge

The teacher reminds pupils of flat shapes and explains that 3-D shapes have length, breadth, and height. They are solid and not flat.


Embedded Core Skills

  • Observation

  • Identification

  • Critical thinking

  • Drawing

  • Spatial reasoning


Learning Materials

  • Classroom objects like cubes, cylinders, cones, balls

  • Drawing tools (ruler, pencil)

  • Flashcards with properties of each 3-D shape


Reference Books

  • New Method Mathematics for Primary Schools Book 5

  • Universal Basic Education Mathematics Book 5

  • Lagos State Unified Scheme of Work


Instructional Materials

  • Cubes (dice, boxes)

  • Spheres (balls)

  • Cylinders (cans)

  • Cones (funnels, party hats)

  • Pyramids (toy pyramids, paper models)


Content Development

Definition of 3-D Shapes

Three-Dimensional Shapes are solid shapes that have three measurements: length, breadth (width), and height. They are not flat and can be held or touched.


Examples of 3-D Shapes and Their Properties

ShapeFacesEdgesVerticesExample
Cube6128Dice, gift box
Cuboid6128Book, brick
Sphere1 (curved)00Ball, orange
Cylinder320Can, battery
Cone211Party hat, funnel
Pyramid585Egyptian pyramid

Presentation Steps

Step 1: Revision

Teacher revises 2-D shapes with pupils and asks them to draw a circle, square, and triangle.

Step 2: Introduction of 3-D Shapes

Teacher explains that 3-D shapes are solid and introduces types using real objects (dice, balls, cans, etc.).

Step 3: Pupils’ Participation

Pupils touch and observe objects and help name each shape. Teacher draws and labels each shape on the board.

Step 4: Explanation of Properties

Teacher explains faces, edges, and vertices using a chart or drawn diagrams. Pupils count them together.

Step 5: Drawing Practice

Pupils draw basic 3-D shapes: cube, cuboid, cylinder, cone, and pyramid.


Teacher’s Activities

  • Explains the meaning and features of 3-D shapes

  • Uses real-life objects and charts to demonstrate

  • Asks guided questions and gives drawing practice


Learners’ Activities

  • Observe and identify 3-D shapes

  • Count and describe faces, edges, and vertices

  • Match objects to the correct shape

  • Draw simple 3-D shapes


Class Activity Discussion (10 FAQs and Answers)

  1. Q: What does 3-D mean?
    A: Three-dimensional – it has length, width, and height.

  2. Q: Is a ball a 3-D shape?
    A: Yes, it is a sphere.

  3. Q: How many faces does a cube have?
    A: 6 flat faces.

  4. Q: What shape is a can?
    A: A cylinder.

  5. Q: Does a sphere have edges?
    A: No, it doesn’t.

  6. Q: What is the difference between a cube and a cuboid?
    A: A cube has equal sides; a cuboid has different lengths.

  7. Q: What is a vertex?
    A: A corner where two or more edges meet.

  8. Q: Which shape has only one face?
    A: A sphere.

  9. Q: What is an edge?
    A: A line where two faces meet.

  10. Q: Give two examples of a pyramid.
    A: Egyptian pyramid and a tent.


Fill-in-the-Blank Questions (15 Questions with Options)

  1. A cube has ___ faces.
    a) 4 b) 6 c) 8 d) 10

  2. A sphere has ___ face(s).
    a) 2 b) 3 c) 1 d) 0

  3. A cone has ___ vertex.
    a) 0 b) 1 c) 2 d) 3

  4. The number of edges in a cuboid is ___.
    a) 6 b) 10 c) 12 d) 8

  5. A cylinder has ___ curved surface(s).
    a) 1 b) 2 c) 3 d) 4

  6. Which shape has no edge?
    a) Cube b) Cone c) Sphere d) Cuboid

  7. A tin of milk is shaped like a ___.
    a) Cone b) Cylinder c) Sphere d) Cuboid

  8. The flat part of a shape is called ___.
    a) Vertex b) Edge c) Face d) Line

  9. The sharp point of a cone is called ___.
    a) Edge b) Corner c) Vertex d) Face

  10. How many vertices does a pyramid have?
    a) 2 b) 5 c) 8 d) 3

  11. A matchbox is an example of a ___.
    a) Cube b) Cuboid c) Cone d) Sphere

  12. The top of an ice cream cone is a ___.
    a) Circle b) Cube c) Square d) Cone

  13. The shape of a football is ___.
    a) Sphere b) Cube c) Cone d) Pyramid

  14. A cube has how many edges?
    a) 10 b) 8 c) 12 d) 6

  15. Which shape has 6 faces and 8 vertices?
    a) Cylinder b) Cone c) Cube d) Pyramid


Evaluation Questions (10 Short Answer Questions)

  1. Define 3-dimensional shapes.

  2. Mention four examples of 3-D shapes.

  3. How many faces does a cube have?

  4. What is the difference between a cube and a cuboid?

  5. Name a 3-D shape that has no vertex.

  6. Draw and label a cuboid.

  7. How many vertices does a cone have?

  8. What is the shape of a football?

  9. Write three properties of a pyramid.

  10. Identify the shape of a can and its number of edges.


Conclusion

The teacher goes around to check pupils’ drawings and participation. Feedback and correction are provided where necessary.


SEO Optimization

  • Captivating Title:
    Primary 5 Mathematics Lesson: Three-Dimensional Shapes (3-D Shapes)

  • Focus Keyphrase:
    Three-Dimensional Shapes for Primary 5

  • SEO Title:
    Three-Dimensional Shapes | Primary 5 Week 5 Math Lesson

  • Slug:
    three-dimensional-shapes-primary-5

  • Meta Description (under 150 characters):
    Learn all about Three-Dimensional Shapes for Primary 5 with real-life examples, drawings, and evaluation questions.

Spread the word if you find this helpful! Click on any social media icon to share