Cut out the net carefully, making sure not to cut the tabs off. Fold lines appear as dotted lines and these can be scored with scissors and a ruler to make folding easier if it’s printed on card or thick paper. Make sure to only put glue on the tabs.

• What is the difference between a 2-D and 3-D shape?
• What 2-D shapes make up the faces of your 3-D shape?
• Would your net still make the 3-D shape if it was arranged differently?

A net of a 3-D shape is what it would look like if it was opened out flat. The faces of the nets give us a clue as to what 3-D shape it will make. For example, a net with six square faces will make a cube.

There are full-colour sheets and black-and-white ones. It may be helpful to print out the nets onto thicker paper, like copier card, to create a sturdier 3-D shape. Stem sentence: ‘I know this net will make a _____ because _____.’

Use alongside ‘3-D shapes and nets’ and ‘Shapes and nets quiz’ for more activities around 3-D shapes and their nets.

Equipment needed: paper/copier paper, scissors, ruler and a glue stick (a glue stick is easier than liquid glue).