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.

Math Community

Today, students use sticky notes to document actions in the “Doing Math” sections of the Math Community Chart that they see or hear throughout the lesson. During the Lesson Synthesis, students share what they noticed, and then they suggest additions for the chart as part of the Cool-down. The work today continues to build a foundation for developing math community norms in a later exercise and is the start of students identifying strengths in the actions of their peers.