- Definition
A cylinder is a 3D shape like a can of soup, with two identical, flat ends that are parallel to each other, connected by a curved side.
A can of soup is a cylinder because it has two flat, circular ends and one curved side.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A cylinder is like a can of soup, with a flat circle on the top and a flat circle on the bottom.
Ask your child: What things in our kitchen are shaped like a cylinder?
Common mix-up: Kids may confuse a cylinder with a circle. A cylinder is a solid 3D shape you can hold, like a can, while a circle is a flat 2D shape you draw.
Examples
- A roll of paper towels, which forms a tall, hollow cylinder.
- A drinking glass with perfectly straight sides.
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 ↗
