Geometry

Geometry is a fun part of math. It looks at shapes like circles, squares, and triangles. It also studies lines, points, and angles. People use geometry to build houses, make art, and play games. Shapes are all around us every day.

Flat Shapes

Flat shapes are called 2D shapes. They are flat like a piece of paper. A circle is round. A square has four equal sides. A triangle has three sides. A rectangle has four sides too. You can draw these shapes with a pencil.

Two people study geometry in an old book from long ago.
Two people study geometry in an old book from long ago. (Anonymous painter,15th century / Wikimedia Commons)

Solid Shapes

Solid shapes are called 3D shapes. You can hold them in your hand. A ball is a sphere. A box is a cube. An ice cream cone is a cone. A can is a cylinder. These shapes take up space and have sides you can touch.

Fun Facts

  • The word geometry means measuring the earth.
  • A circle has no corners or straight sides at all.
  • Bees make honeycombs using shapes called hexagons.

Did You Know?

A very old Greek man named Euclid wrote a book about geometry more than 2,000 years ago, and kids still learn from his ideas today.