Describe and name polygons, including triangles and quadrilaterals | Maths

Starter quiz

Which of these shapes are polygons?

a ✓

b

c

d ✓
Which of these shapes are not polygons?

a ✓

b

c ✓

d
Which of the statements are true for all polygons?

They have sides that meet at vertices. ✓

They are 3D shapes.

They have three or more straight sides. ✓

They are 2D shapes. ✓
What is the same about all of these polygons?

They all have 6 straight sides. ✓

They all have 6 vertices. ✓

They are all 3D shapes.
This polygon has ______ sides and vertices.

'12' ✓
Which polygon should not be part of this set? Polygon ______.

'c' ✓

Exit quiz

Match the name of the shape with its properties.

triangles

⇔

have 3 vertices and 3 straight sides ✓

quadrilaterals

⇔

have 4 vertices and 4 straight sides ✓
Which of these shapes is not a triangle?

a

b

c ✓

d
Which of these shapes are quadrilaterals?

a

b

c ✓

d ✓
Which shape should not be part of this set?

a

b ✓

c

d
This shape is a quadrilateral and also a ______.

'square' ✓
This shape is not a triangle because...

it does not have 3 straight sides. ✓

it is a quadrilateral.

it does not have 3 vertices. ✓

Worksheet

Loading worksheet ...

Presentation

Loading presentation ...

Video

Lesson Details

Key learning points

The names of polygons are linked to the number of sides/vertices they have.
A quadrilateral is any polygon with 4 sides.
A triangle is any polygon with 3 sides.
Squares and rectangles are quadrilaterals.

Common misconception

Children may mistake a 'triangle-like' shape for a triangle.

Provide opportunities to explore and handle cut-outs of triangles and triangle-like shapes. Describe and compare how the sides and corners feel. Touch the part of the shape that shows that it is not a triangle and explain how you know.

Keywords

Quadrilateral - A polygon with 4 sides and 4 vertices.
Rectangle - A polygon with 4 sides and 4 'square corners'.
Square - A polygon with 4 equal sides and 4 'square corners'.
Triangle - A polygon with 3 sides.