Update: the 3D shape works in Edge 15, though the faces are flickering for a reason unrelated to CSS variables. Using vmin values inside translate functions fails in Edge. This sounds really inconvenient because vmin seems to be the go to unit when wanting to create responsive 3D. Shapeways is the #1 3D printing service company. Working with over a million customers since 2007 - Get 3D products and parts delivered to over 100 countries.
Create 3d Shapes Using Python
Exploring the properties of three dimensional shapes is fun for all ages! Because kids are introduced to 3D shapes early on, you could make these together with young kids, or you could use them with high schoolers to explore more complex math. No matter how you use them, this set of foldable 3D shapes is bound to be a hit!
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To assemble this set of foldable 3D shapes:
I highly recommend printing the nets on stock paper rather than regular paper. I have tried it both ways, and regular paper is just too flimsy.
After printing, simply cut out the 3d shape nets on the solid lines.
If you’ve printed on white card stock as I have, take some time to get creative and color or decorate the shapes before assembling them! This could make a great math art project!
If your students are older, have them label the different parts of the shape (face, edge, base) before assembling to use as a reference throughout their study of shapes! 🙂
This will help them see and learn math vocabulary.
Then, carefully fold each tab so that it can be used to glue the shape together, and fold each side of the shape.
Finally, glue each side together. I suggest adding a few dabs of glue to each tab and then hold it in place for a few seconds before gluing the next tab. This will help make sure it stays together.
You can also use tape if that’s easier for you (or you don’t have glue).
Once all the shapes are assembled, you can use them however you like, depending on the age of your kids!
Learning ideas for foldable 3D shapes:
- Discuss math vocabulary such as polyhedron, face, edge, prism, etc.
- Compare the shapes by counting number of faces and edges or other characteristics
- Use them to go on a 3D shape hunt: find the shapes in real life
- Compare the different pyramids and then compare them to the great pyramids of Egypt (combining math and history!)
- Use the nets to learn about surface area and volume
- Use them along with the book, Sir Cumference and the Sword in the Cone to learn about Euler’s formula (see more free resources to use with the book here!)
- Or simply as a fun math art project!
This set of geometricnets is FREE to download and contains the following three dimensional shapes:
- Cube
- Rectangular Prism
- Triangular Prism
- Cylinder
- Triangle Based Pyramid
- Square Based Pyramid
- Pentagon Based Pyramid
- Cone
In addition, this set includes a foldable copy (with tabs) to allow students as young as preschool build their own models, as well as geometricnets without tabs to be used for any other purpose in the geometry classroom!
3d Paper Shape Foldable Template
For instance, let students measure the nets to explore surface area with these FREE surface area lessons (surface area of prisms and cylinders and surface area of pyramids and cones)!
{Click HERE to go to my shop to get the foldable 3D shapes Printable Pack!}
Hope you find these helpful and FUN as you explore three dimensional shapes!
Looking for more 3D shapes fun? Try one of these resources:
Never Run Out of Fun Math Ideas
Create 3d Shapes In Keynote
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