Explore prisms, pyramids, cylinders, cones, and spheres with interactive 3D visuals, nets, calculators, and cross-section explorers. Master volume and surface area formulas!
A 3D solid with 6 rectangular faces, 12 edges, and 8 vertices. Opposite faces are parallel and congruent.
Volume Formula
V = l × w × h
Surface Area Formula
SA = 2(lw + lh + wh)
Real-World Application
A shoebox is a rectangular prism. If the box is 12 inches long, 8 inches wide, and 5 inches tall, it can hold 480 cubic inches of shoes and wrapping paper.
Given Dimensions:
Length = 8 cm, Width = 5 cm, Height = 3 cm
Volume Calculation:
V = 8 × 5 × 3 = 120 cm³
Answer: 120 cm³
Surface Area Calculation:
SA = 2(8×5 + 8×3 + 5×3) = 2(40 + 24 + 15) = 2(79) = 158 cm²
Answer: 158 cm²
Click the buttons to rotate the 3D model
• Visualization is Key: Encourage students to rotate the 3D models and sketch them from different angles to build spatial reasoning skills.
• Connect to Real Life: Ask students to find examples of each solid in their daily lives (soup cans, ice cream cones, basketballs, etc.).
• Formula Mastery: Have students derive formulas by relating 3D solids to simpler shapes (e.g., a cone is 1/3 of a cylinder with the same base and height).
• Cross-Section Practice: Use the cross-section explorer to prepare for standardized test questions about slicing 3D solids.
• Calculator Practice: Students should practice both with and without calculators to build number sense and estimation skills.