Count Vertices, Edges, and Faces
π‘οΈ Spikes and Bridges! Every 3D shape has flat Faces. The edge where two faces meet is called an Edge. The sharp spike where lines meet is a Vertex!
Do this: Read the concept below, then try the quiz or activity.
Concept
Let's break a 3D shape down into its microscopic science parts.
π― The Golden Rule of 3D: Let's use a Cube as the perfect example. 1. Faces: The flat walls you can stick a sticker on. (A cube has 6 faces). 2. Edges: The straight lines where two walls meet. (Like the sharp lines of a dice). A cube has 12 edges! 3. Vertices (Corners): The sharp, spiky points where Edges crash into each other. If you grab it, it pokes your hand! A cube has 8 vertices! (4 on top, 4 on the bottom).
Spheres are extremely boring. They have 0 Faces, 0 Edges, and 0 Vertices.
Try it
Count the spikes!
Instructions: Figure out if the arrow is pointing to a Face (flat area), an Edge (straight line), or a Vertex (spiky corner).
Problem 1: You touch the sharp, spiky point on the very top of a Cone. * Did you touch a Face, Edge, or Vertex? * Answer: __________
Problem 2: You slap a bumper sticker on the wide, flat side of a cereal box. * Did you stick it on a Face, Edge, or Vertex? * Answer: ___________
Problem 3: You run your finger along the long, straight line connecting two sides of a box. * Answer: ___________
Problem 4: How many Spiky Corners (Vertices) does a perfectly round Sphere have? * Answer: _____