Solid Figures: Manipulatives, Worksheets and a FREEBIE!

My students have been learning about solid figures and using some really great resources in the classroom. We began the unit of study by creating a chart of the six basic solid figures (cone, sphere, cube, pyramid, cylinder, and rectangular prism.) We discussed the shapes we see on the side of each figure, and listed examples real-world objects for each 3-D figure.

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When teaching this unit in the past, I always used the traditional wooden solid figure shapes. They’re very sturdy and are certainly helpful for illustrating the solid figures, but this year I acquired some new math manipulatives and they are fantastic! This one set is particularly fantastic:

I truly cannot say enough good things about this set. It was a little pricey, but they are SO worth it. Each figure is represented in a sturdy clear plastic shell that opens up. Inside there is a flexible plastic representation that unfolds to reveal the shapes on each surface of the figure. you can’t tell from the photo, but the inner pieces are also quite durable.

My students predicted what the figure would like when opened (what shapes they thought they would see, and how many of each kind). It was an excellent higher-thinking activity.

I use a variety of solid figure manipulatives (scroll down for product information) as well as photos of real-world objects for each in my classroom. These materials were added to my classroom math center for independent exploration by students.

I also created a Solid Figure unit plan to use with my students. It’s appropriate for Grades K-2 and is differentiated to accommodate students with varied ability levels.

The unit plan includes:
2 and 3 column sorting activites
2 and 3 circle Venn diagram sorting
shapes vs. solid figures
roll, stack, and slide solid figure sorts
solid figure drawing lessons
4 pages of mix & match assessments


Purchase my Solid Figures Unit for Grades K-1-2 from Teachers Pay Teachers

Here’s a peek at just a few of the activities included:

Solid Figure Tracing to Determine Shapes on Flat Sides

Small solid figures are available on Amazon

Slide, Roll and Stack 3-Column Sorting Activity
(easy for Kindergarten students)

Venn Diagram for Figures that can Roll and Slide

Drawing Lessons: Cone (this one is pretty easy)

Drawing Lessons: Pyramid (this one is more difficult)

Ready for that FREEBIE?

I created a PDF to help you create this super-cute Solid Figures chart. The information for each solid figure is color-coded for easy student reference. Just download and print the document, cut the pieces apart, and you will be ready to glue them onto chart paper.

This has been a fabulous unit to teach in my Kindergarten classroom. The students loved the topic and I was thrilled to provide them with high-quality resources. Do you have any favorite solid figure materials or activities from your own classroom? I would love to hear your ideas!