- Definition
A pyramid is a 3D shape with a flat bottom (like a square or triangle) and triangular sides that all meet at a single point at the top. We name a pyramid by the shape of its bottom, like a "square pyramid" if its base is a square.
A block with a square bottom and four triangle sides that meet at a point is a square-based pyramid.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A pyramid is like a tent that has a flat bottom and sides that meet at a pointy top.
Ask your child: What shapes do you see on this pyramid?
Common mix-up: Kids might confuse a pyramid with a triangle because of its sides. A pyramid is a 3D shape you can hold, while a triangle is a flat 2D shape.
Examples
- The great pyramids in Egypt are famous square-based pyramids.
- A block with a triangle for a base and three triangle sides is a triangle-based pyramid.
pyramid 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 ↗
