Polyhedron Anatomy Anchor Chart
Interactive Reference Sheet
POLYHEDRON BLUEPRINT
A visual field guide to three-dimensional solids, their anatomy, and primary shape families.
Explorer:
Date:
1
The Three Structural Elements
Vertex Plural: Vertices
CORNER
A corner point where three or more flat edges meet in a single point.
Think: Sharp Dots
Edge Segment
SEAM / LINE
The straight line segment formed where two separate flat faces connect.
Think: Skeleton Lines
Face 2D Surface
2D SIDE
Any flat 2D polygon surface that makes up the boundary walls of the solid shape.
Think: Flat Walls
2
Polyhedron Shape Families
Prism Family 2 Base Ends
A prism has two identical base shapes facing parallel on opposite ends. Its lateral sides are always rectangles.
Triangular
F: 5 V: 6 E: 9
Rectangular
F: 6 V: 8 E: 12
Cube
F: 6 V: 8 E: 12
Has matching flat lids (called bases).
Sides are parallel rectangles.
Pyramid Family 1 Pointy Tip
A pyramid has one single base shape at the bottom. All other lateral faces are always triangles meeting at a top point.
Triangular
F: 4 V: 4 E: 6
Square Base
F: 5 V: 5 E: 8
Has only one bottom base.
Sides are triangles meeting at an apex point.
Euler's Magic Formula
Every convex polyhedron holds a perfect mathematical balance!
F + V - E = 2
Faces Vertices Edges
