3D Shapes Games for Kids

What Are Three-Dimensional Shapes (3D Shapes)?

Three-dimensional shapes, also known as 3D shapes, are geometric figures that exist in three-dimensional space. 3D shapes possess three physical dimensions: length, width, and height. 

Three-dimensional shapes are also referred to as ‘geometric solids’ or simply ‘solids.’ These shapes are not flat like 2D shapes. They have depth (thickness) and volume. In simple words, 3D shapes occupy space. It is measured in terms of volume.

• Common examples of 3D shapes: Cubes, spheres, cones, cylinders, and pyramids. 
• Real-world examples of 3D shapes: Basketball, soccer ball, Rubik’s cube, storage boxes, etc.

What Are Faces, Edges, and Vertices of Three-Dimensional Shapes?

Faces, edges, and vertices are important characteristics of 3D shapes.

• Faces: Each individual flat surface of a 3D shape is called its face. For example, a cube has 6 congruent flat faces, each face being a square; a sphere has no face, only a single curved surface.
• Edges: Edges are the straight line segments where two faces of a 3D shape meet. They form the boundaries of a shape. For instance, a cube has 12 edges.
• Vertices (Singular - Vertex): Vertices are corner points where three edges or faces meet. For example, a cube has 8 vertices.

Examples of Some Common 3D Shapes

Let’s get to know about some common 3D shapes and their attributes.
 

Progression of 3D Shapes Concepts with Grades

Let’s take an overview of different geometric concepts associated with 3D shapes.
 

How Can Children Use the Concepts of 3D Shapes in Real Life?

• Identifying shapes of everyday objects: Using the knowledge of 3D shapes, kids can learn to identify the shapes of different objects around them such as toys, utensils, etc. For instance, a ball has a spherical shape; a birthday hat has a conical shape; soda cans are cylindrical in shape.
• Understanding the Geometry in Nature: 3D shapes help kids understand the geometry in nature. For example, Egyptian pyramids, cylindrical tree trunks, spherical shaped fruits like oranges, kaleidoscopes in the shape of a triangular prism, etc.
• Understanding flat and solid geometry: By learning about 3D shapes, kids can easily differentiate between 2D and 3D shapes. 
• Mastering measurement concepts: The conceptual understanding of 3D shapes helps kids easily understand various measurement concepts such as volume, surface area, etc.

Importance of Introducing 3D Shapes to Kids through Games

• Intuitive understanding through Visuals: Three dimensional shapes require intuitive understanding. Drawing 2D shapes and explaining their attributes is pretty simple, but that’s not the case with 3D shapes. Understanding 3D shapes through powerful and vibrant visuals to teach distinct characteristics of solids.
• Visualizing attributes of 3D shapes: Through online 3D shapes games, it is possible to show each individual attribute of 3D shapes such as faces, vertices, edges, etc, for better comprehension.
• Hands-on Learning: Interactive 3D shapes games allow kids to manipulate 3D shapes, enhancing their understanding through visuals.
• Engaging Learning: Online 3D shapes games use colorful themes and attractive characters to keep kids engaged. This makes the subject more interesting.
• Visual understanding the nets of solids: Nets of solids are 2D shapes that can be manipulated (folded) to make a 3D shape. Math games can help kids visualize the nets of 3D shapes in a step-by-step manner.

Learning about 3D Shapes: Math Games vs. Traditional Methods

• Engagement: 3D shapes online games are interactive and enjoyable. Games capture children's attention and maintain their interest. Traditional methods can be monotonous and often lack the same level of engagement.
• Hands-on Learning: 3D shapes games online allow kids to explore different 3D shapes and their properties, helping children grasp concepts through direct experience. Traditional methods often rely on abstract explanations and 2D illustrations.
• Visual Understanding: Games promote visual-spatial thinking, essential for comprehending 3D shapes. Traditional methods may not emphasize these skills as effectively.
• Practical Learning: Math games often involve puzzles and challenges that require children to apply their knowledge of 3D shapes in real-life scenarios. Traditional methods often focus more on memorization.

These points demonstrate that math games offer a more engaging, interactive, and effective approach to learning 3D shapes compared to traditional instructional methods.

What Are the 5 Best Fun Games and Activities for Kids on 3D Shapes?

Here are 5 fun online 3D shapes games for kids offered by SplashLearn:

• Match Objects with Shapes Game
• Shapes All Around Us Game
• Count the Vertices Game
• Count the Faces Game
• Identify Cylinders and Spheres Game