Reinforce shape classification with the interactive and engaging Prism or Pyramid? game! This print-and-go activity is perfect for helping students distinguish between prisms and pyramids while having fun and practising strategic thinking.

All you need is a die and a set of counters to get started. Students roll and move around the board, identifying the 3D object they land on and deciding whether it's a prism or a pyramid. The visual format encourages hands-on learning while supporting students in using correct mathematical language and shape features to justify their answers.

This game offers a low-prep way to deepen geometry understanding and encourage peer discussion. It's ideal for maths rotations, shape revision sessions, or as a fast finisher task. Whether students are learning to classify for the first time or reviewing known concepts, this resource keeps them engaged and learning through play.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Identify and name 3D objects as either prisms or pyramids
• ✅ Strengthen understanding of the properties that define each shape type
• ✅ Develop vocabulary for describing geometric solids
• ✅ Practise classification and critical thinking through gameplay
• ✅ Engage in collaborative learning and turn-taking

What’s Included:

• 1 printable game board featuring a mix of 3D objects
• Clear and simple instructions for gameplay
• Full-colour and low-ink options for printing

Materials Needed:

• Printed copy of the Prism or Pyramid? game board
• 1 die per pair or group
• Counters or markers (e.g. buttons, coins, coloured chips)
• Optional: dry-erase sleeves or lamination for reuse

How to Use:

1. Print and prepare the game board for student use.
2. Group students into pairs or small groups and provide them with dice and counters.
3. Students take turns rolling the die and moving their counter across the board.
4. After landing on a shape, they identify it and determine whether it's a prism or a pyramid.
5. If they answer correctly, they leave their counter; if not, they miss their turn. First to get four in a row wins!

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during maths rotations to reinforce 3D object classification
• 💡 Include in early finisher bins or as a fun Friday challenge
• 💡 Integrate with shape model stations so students can handle physical examples as they play
• 💡 Challenge advanced students to explain why each shape is a prism or pyramid
• 💡 Use in small intervention groups for targeted geometry review

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Laminate the game board for long-term use and durability
• 💛 Encourage students to verbalise their reasoning using sentence stems
• 💛 Pair this with anchor charts showing the features of prisms and pyramids for added support
• 💛 Allow students to work in pairs to promote discussion and peer teaching

Prism or Pyramid? is a fun, flexible, and curriculum-aligned game that brings geometry concepts to life—perfect for strengthening classification skills while keeping students engaged and excited about learning.