Free Printable Geometry Math Lesson Plan and Worksheets
Prism and Pyramid Nets
Making Math Gift Boxes
Suggested grade level: 4, 5, 6, 7
Geometry curriculum expectations addressed:
- Construct three-dimensional shapes from nets
- Draw nets for three-dimensional figures
- Investigate properties of pyramids and prisms
- Scale two-dimensional figures (optional)
Materials required:
Cardboard, wrapping paper, glue or tape, scissorsActivity #1:
The purpose of the project is to create a set of unique gift boxes using the following 4 worksheets. Click to go to each worksheet. Print the sheet with your browser print button and then use your browser back button or click the title to return here.
Student Worksheet #1: Triangular Prism Net
Student Worksheet #2: Hexagonal Prism Net
Student Worksheet #3: Triangular Pyramid Net
Student Worksheet #4: Hexagonal Pyramid Net
Directions:
- Scale the tabbed nets on each of the four worksheets to create a set of patterns. Enlarge by a factor of 2 or 3 or whatever a student may choose. Optionally, do not scale or scale by using a scaling photocopier or printer.
- Use each net as a pattern to cut out a cardboard net and a matching wrapping paper net.
- Glue or tape the cardboard net and the wrapping paper together.
- Fold the net and decide which face or faces to leave unglued to form the box opening.
- Glue or tape the other faces together, using the tabs, to form a "box" that's not shaped like a conventional box.
Activity #2:
Have student create three new boxes - one shaped like a square pyramid, one like a pentagonal prism and one like a pentagonal pyramid. This time they must draw their own tabbed nets.
Follow-up discussion:
Have the students unfold all of the nets and divide them into two groups, the prisms and the pyramids. Lead a discussion of these questions:
What do the prism nets have in common?
What do the pyramid nets have in common?
What is the main difference between the prism nets and the pyramid nets?
Activity #3:
Print and distribute this printable:
Student Worksheet #5: Exploring Nets
After completing the worksheet individually, have the group discuss the worksheets and compare their answers and the nets that they created.
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