- Definition
A cylinder is a 3D shape, like a can of soup, with two identical, flat ends (called bases) that are connected by a curved side.
A hockey puck is a short, flat cylinder because it has flat circular tops and bottoms connected by a curved side.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A cylinder is like a new tube of lip balm, with flat circular ends and a smooth, curved side.
Ask your child: Can you spot three things in your bedroom that are shaped like a cylinder?
Common mix-up: Kids may think cylinders must always be tall like a can. A cylinder can also be very short and wide, like a hockey puck, as long as it has flat circular ends and a curved side.
Examples
- A brand new, unsharpened pencil before it is used.
- A large drum played in a marching band.
cylinder is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
