3D Shape Fun! A Hands-on Geometry Adventure!

October 22, 2024 / DIY / STEM Activities / Maths / Age 6 - 8 / 3d Shape Transformation

Close your eyes - can you transform a flat shape into a three-dimensional one in your mind? If not, you must try this fascinating shape project. It will start to "transform" right before your eyes, and children will be amazed by this magical change!

Age: 6-8
Time: Less than 30 minutes
Mess Level: A bit messy

Materials Needed:

Double-sided tape
String
6mm hole punch
Scissors
Ruler
Printable templates

Arranged on a vibrant orange background are craft supplies: sticky tape, string, a hole punch, scissors, a ruler, and coloured sheets of paper printed with geometric shapes.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Print out the downloaded templates - there are 6 sheets in total (3 coloured, 3 grey).

Several pieces of coloured card, each featuring geometric shapes and punched holes, are arranged on a bright orange background.

Use scissors to cut out the patterns on the coloured paper.

Hands use scissors to cut a light blue piece of paper, marked with a triangular outline, against a bright orange background; other coloured papers are visible in the top right corner.

Use the hole punch to make holes in the small circles numbered 1, 2, and 3. If you don't have a hole punch, you can carefully cut out these small holes with scissors. The holes should be just large enough for the string to pass through.

Two hands, one holding a light blue paper triangle and the other a hole punch, are shown against a bright orange background with other coloured shapes visible in the top right.

Fold the paper inwards along the dotted lines.

Two hands fold a light blue paper triangle along a crease, using a clear plastic ruler for accuracy, against a bright orange background; other coloured shapes are visible in the top right.

On the back of the paper corresponding to number 1, stick a small piece of double-sided tape.

Two hands assemble a light blue paper shape, applying double-sided tape to one edge, against a vibrant orange background, with a roll of tape and other assembled coloured shapes visible.

Find the grey template paper matching the shape. Stick the pattern in the corresponding numbered position.

Two hands hold and shape a light blue paper tetrahedron over a lavender piece of paper on an orange surface.

Thread the string through these holes in order. Make sure the string goes up through the first hole and down through the last hole.

Two hands thread string through the holes of a light blue paper tetrahedron resting on a lavender piece of paper, which sits on an orange background; a ball of string is visible to the left.

Gently pull the string backwards, and your pattern will become a three-dimensional shape. Repeat the above steps to create other patterns.

Two hands tie string around the bottom point of a light blue paper tetrahedron, which rests on a lavender piece of paper on an orange surface.

3D Shape Fun! A Hands-on Geometry Adventure!

Materials Needed:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

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