- 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. Think of the famous pyramids in Egypt, which have square bottoms and four triangular sides.
A pyramid with a square on the bottom is called a square-based pyramid.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A pyramid is like a tent where all the walls are triangles that meet at a single pointy top.
Ask your child: What shape do you see on the bottom of this pyramid?
Common mix-up: Kids may think all pyramids have a square bottom, like the ones in Egypt. A pyramid can have any straight-sided shape for its bottom.
Examples
- A pyramid with a triangle on the bottom is called a triangle-based pyramid.
- Some toy blocks are shaped like pyramids.
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 ↗
