LEGO Games 3D shapes maths mission
A practical mini-mission using 3D shapes to practise geometry through questions, examples and child-friendly challenges.
Quick answer
By building and exploring 3D shapes with LEGO bricks, you can learn to identify, describe, and compare different 3D shapes like cubes, cuboids, pyramids, and cylinders.
Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will be able to recognise and describe 3D shapes using their properties such as faces, edges, and vertices.
- You can name at least 4 different 3D shapes
- You can count the faces, edges, and vertices on a 3D shape
- You can compare 3D shapes and say how they are similar or different
- You can build your own 3D shape using LEGO bricks
Why this matters
Learning about 3D shapes helps you understand the world around you! Whether you're building with LEGO, playing with toys, or looking at buildings, knowing about 3D shapes helps you see how things fit together. In real life, 3D shapes are everywhere – from your LEGO house to the ice cream cone you eat, from a football to a juice box.
Understanding 3D shapes is also important for future maths. It helps you learn about area, volume, and even how to build structures in real life. And in games like LEGO Games, you use these skills to build cool creations!
How it works
3D shapes are solid objects that have three dimensions – length, width, and height. Here’s how to think about them:
- Faces – These are the flat surfaces on a 3D shape.
- Edges – These are the lines where two faces meet.
- Vertices – These are the corners where edges meet.
When you look at a LEGO brick, you can count its faces, edges, and vertices. This helps you understand how the shape is built and how it connects to other bricks.
Examples you can see
Let’s look at some common 3D shapes you can make with LEGO bricks:
| Shape | Faces | Edges | Vertices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube | 6 | 12 | 8 |
| Cuboid | 6 | 12 | 8 |
| Pyramid | 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Cylinder | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Try building each shape with your LEGO bricks and count the faces, edges, and vertices. You can also draw them or write down how many of each you found.
Try it as a mini adventure
Imagine you are on a LEGO Games 3D Shapes Mission! Your goal is to explore a magical LEGO world where shapes come alive and help you build amazing structures.
- First stop: The Cube Kingdom – Build a cube and count its faces, edges, and vertices.
- Second stop: The Pyramid Palace – Build a pyramid and see how it’s different from a cube.
- Third stop: The Cylinder Castle – Build a cylinder and notice how it’s different from all the others.
- Final challenge: Build a new shape using a mix of cubes, pyramids, and cylinders – then describe what you made!
Can you find 3 things in your room that are shaped like a cube, a pyramid, or a cylinder? Draw them or take a photo to show your family!
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking that a cube and a cuboid are the same shape.
Why it happens: They both look like boxes, so it’s easy to mix them up.
Fix: A cube has all sides the same length, while a cuboid has different lengths for length, width, and height. - Mistake: Counting the same edge twice.
Why it happens: When you’re looking at a shape, it can be hard to keep track of which edges you’ve counted.
Fix: Use a finger or a marker to go along each edge once and only once. - Mistake: Confusing vertices and edges.
Why it happens: They’re both parts of the shape, but they’re different.
Fix: Remember: edges are lines, vertices are points or corners.
Parent and carer guide
Help your child explore 3D shapes by:
- Building with LEGO bricks and asking them to count faces, edges, and vertices.
- Looking around the house for examples of 3D shapes (boxes, cans, pyramids, etc.).
- Playing a shape guessing game: “I’m thinking of a shape with 6 faces, 12 edges, and 8 vertices – what is it?”
- Encouraging your child to draw or describe the shapes they build.
- Using real-life examples to show how 3D shapes are used in everyday life – like how a juice box is a cuboid or a football is a sphere.
Don’t worry if your child makes a mistake – it’s part of learning. Ask questions to help them think through the problem, not just give the answer.
Practice questions
- How many faces does a cube have?
Answer: 6 - How many vertices does a pyramid have?
Answer: 5 - Which 3D shape has no edges and no vertices?
Answer: Cylinder - How many edges does a cuboid have?
Answer: 12 - Can you name one real-world object that is shaped like a cylinder?
Answer: (Any correct answer, e.g. a can, a juice box, a roll of paper)
FAQ
What is a 3D shape?
A 3D shape is a solid object that has three dimensions: length, width, and height. Unlike flat shapes, 3D shapes take up space.
Why are 3D shapes important?
3D shapes help us understand how things fit together in the real world. They are used in buildings, toys, packaging, and even in games like LEGO.
Can I make 3D shapes with LEGO bricks?
Yes! You can build many 3D shapes like cubes, pyramids, and cylinders using LEGO bricks. Each shape has different numbers of faces, edges, and vertices.
How do I know if I counted correctly?
You can double-check by using a finger or a marker to trace along each edge and count each vertex once. It helps to build the shape slowly and count carefully.
What are some other 3D shapes I can learn about?
Other 3D shapes include spheres, cones, and prisms. You can explore these by building them with LEGO or by looking for them in your everyday life.