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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, scissors

Activity #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:

1. 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.
2. Use each net as a pattern to cut out a cardboard net and a matching wrapping paper net.
3. Glue or tape the cardboard net and the wrapping paper together.
4. Fold the net and decide which face or faces to leave unglued to form the box opening.
5. 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.