In this lesson, students analyze relationships between prisms and pyramids. They may notice common characteristics of pyramids and cones such as having a single base and an apex or central vertex. In contrast, students may notice cylinders and prisms have 2 congruent bases. Students learn that the terms right and oblique apply to cones and some pyramids.

Then students assemble a triangular prism out of 3 triangular pyramids, and they make initial observations about these solids. The pyramids they build will be used in the next lesson to develop the formula for the volume of a pyramid.

Students use language precisely (MP6) when they describe characteristics of pyramids, cones, cylinders, and prisms.