teaching resource

Nets of 3D Objects

Updated: 07 Jun 2023

Create a variety of 3D shapes with this comprehensive set of net templates.

Non-Editable: PDF
Years: 3 - 6

Curriculum

VC2M3SP01

Make, compare and classify objects, identifying key features and explaining why these features make them suited to their uses <ul> <li>classifying a collection of geometric objects, including cylinders, spheres, prisms and pyramids, according to key features such as the shape and number of faces and/or surfaces, edges and vertices</li> <li>making and comparing objects built out of cubic blocks and discussing key features; for example, comparing the amount of space that objects occupy by counting how many blocks it takes to build different rectangular prisms that have the same height but different bases</li> <li>making geometric objects in solid form out of connecting cubes and in skeleton form with straws, and constructing objects using dynamic geometry software, recognising, comparing and discussing the features of the objects using the different representations</li> <li>using familiar shapes and objects to build or construct models and compare the suitability of different shapes and objects for aspects of the model; for example, building rectangular towers out of connecting cubes and recognising that the taller the tower, the less stable it becomes unless the base is increased; or building bridges out of straws bent into different shapes and comparing the strength of different designs</li> <li>identifying, classifying and comparing common objects found on Country/Place as cubes, rectangular prisms, cylinders, cones and spheres</li> <li>investigating and explaining how Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ dwellings are oriented in the environment to accommodate climatic conditions</li> </ul>
VC2M5SP01

Connect objects to their nets and build objects from their nets using spatial and geometric reasoning <ul> <li>designing and constructing exact nets for packaging particular-shaped items or collections of interest, taking into consideration how the faces will be joined and how the package will be opened</li> <li>visualising folding some possible nets for a range of prisms and pyramids, predicting which will work and which cannot work, and justifying their choices, based on the number, size and position of particular shapes in each diagram</li> <li>sketching nets for a range of prisms and pyramids considering the number, shape and placement of the faces, and testing by cutting and folding</li> <li>investigating objects designed and developed by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples, such as those used in fish traps and instructive toys, identifying the shape and relative position of each face to determine the net of the object</li> </ul>
VC2M6SP01

Compare the parallel cross-sections of objects and recognise their relationships to right prisms <ul> <li>using objects made of foam or polystyrene, slicing along different cross-sections, and recording the different shapes of faces that result; and comparing cross-sections of different objects</li> <li>using different pieces of fruit, slicing across different cross-sections, and drawing the cross-section; and reporting back to the class the results of the investigation</li> <li>observing and drawing the shapes resulting from different ways of slicing through familiar objects; for example, slicing carrots at different angles or cutting through playdough models of objects; or using playdough models, fruit or similar to establish which objects can be cut in such a way that the cross-section will always be the same shape</li> <li>understanding that right prisms are objects where parallel cross-sections perpendicular to the base of the prism are the same shape and size</li> <li>connecting different right prisms to the shape of their parallel cross-sections, such as a triangular prism, which can be described as a stack of the same-sized triangles, and a cube or square prism, which can be described as a stack of the same-sized squares</li> <li>investigating the design of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ dwellings, exploring the relationship between the cross sections and the dwellings’ construction</li> </ul>

teaching resource

Nets of 3D Objects

Updated: 07 Jun 2023

Create a variety of 3D shapes with this comprehensive set of net templates.

Non-Editable: PDF
Years: 3 - 6

Create a variety of 3D shapes with this comprehensive set of net templates.

What Are 3D Nets?

3D nets are a flattened-out version of a 3D shape that can be cut out, folded and adhered together to create a model of that particular 3D shape.

3D nets are great teaching tools to help students understand the properties of these shapes, as they can see and count the faces, edges and vertices with greater ease and accuracy. Students also love decorating their nets with bright and vibrant designs … and you can make some very cool creations with them, too!

What’s Included in This 3D Net Template Pack?

This 3D net pack includes the following nets:

cube
rectangular prism or cuboid
triangular prism
pentagonal prism
hexagonal prism
octagonal prism
cone
cylinder
triangular-based pyramid
square-based pyramid
pentagonal-based pyramid
hexagonal-based pyramid
octagonal-based pyramid.

How to Make 3D Nets

To make these 3D nets, follow these simple instructions.

Print copies of the net you require. Thick card works better than paper.
Cut around the outside of the net. Be sure to cut around the flaps, too!
Fold the flaps along the solid lines.
Fold along the other solid lines.
Use glue or tape to adhere the flaps to the corresponding faces.
You have a completed 3D object!

Download This and Other Great 3D Shape Activities!

Use the Download button to access these handy 3D net templates.

Looking for other resources to teach 3D shapes to your students? We can help!

teaching resource

Nets of 3D Objects - Poster

A poster highlighting the nets of a selection of 3D Objects.

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3D Object Profiles – Template

Draw, name and describe the features of 3D objects with this profiling template.

teaching resource

3D Objects – Interactive PowerPoint Presentation

Explore the names and properties of a range of three-dimensional objects with this comprehensive interactive PowerPoint presentation.

Curriculum

VC2M3SP01

Make, compare and classify objects, identifying key features and explaining why these features make them suited to their uses <ul> <li>classifying a collection of geometric objects, including cylinders, spheres, prisms and pyramids, according to key features such as the shape and number of faces and/or surfaces, edges and vertices</li> <li>making and comparing objects built out of cubic blocks and discussing key features; for example, comparing the amount of space that objects occupy by counting how many blocks it takes to build different rectangular prisms that have the same height but different bases</li> <li>making geometric objects in solid form out of connecting cubes and in skeleton form with straws, and constructing objects using dynamic geometry software, recognising, comparing and discussing the features of the objects using the different representations</li> <li>using familiar shapes and objects to build or construct models and compare the suitability of different shapes and objects for aspects of the model; for example, building rectangular towers out of connecting cubes and recognising that the taller the tower, the less stable it becomes unless the base is increased; or building bridges out of straws bent into different shapes and comparing the strength of different designs</li> <li>identifying, classifying and comparing common objects found on Country/Place as cubes, rectangular prisms, cylinders, cones and spheres</li> <li>investigating and explaining how Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ dwellings are oriented in the environment to accommodate climatic conditions</li> </ul>
VC2M5SP01

Connect objects to their nets and build objects from their nets using spatial and geometric reasoning <ul> <li>designing and constructing exact nets for packaging particular-shaped items or collections of interest, taking into consideration how the faces will be joined and how the package will be opened</li> <li>visualising folding some possible nets for a range of prisms and pyramids, predicting which will work and which cannot work, and justifying their choices, based on the number, size and position of particular shapes in each diagram</li> <li>sketching nets for a range of prisms and pyramids considering the number, shape and placement of the faces, and testing by cutting and folding</li> <li>investigating objects designed and developed by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples, such as those used in fish traps and instructive toys, identifying the shape and relative position of each face to determine the net of the object</li> </ul>
VC2M6SP01

Compare the parallel cross-sections of objects and recognise their relationships to right prisms <ul> <li>using objects made of foam or polystyrene, slicing along different cross-sections, and recording the different shapes of faces that result; and comparing cross-sections of different objects</li> <li>using different pieces of fruit, slicing across different cross-sections, and drawing the cross-section; and reporting back to the class the results of the investigation</li> <li>observing and drawing the shapes resulting from different ways of slicing through familiar objects; for example, slicing carrots at different angles or cutting through playdough models of objects; or using playdough models, fruit or similar to establish which objects can be cut in such a way that the cross-section will always be the same shape</li> <li>understanding that right prisms are objects where parallel cross-sections perpendicular to the base of the prism are the same shape and size</li> <li>connecting different right prisms to the shape of their parallel cross-sections, such as a triangular prism, which can be described as a stack of the same-sized triangles, and a cube or square prism, which can be described as a stack of the same-sized squares</li> <li>investigating the design of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ dwellings, exploring the relationship between the cross sections and the dwellings’ construction</li> </ul>

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3 Comments

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Sasha Pillinger · 5 years ago

Thank you great resource
- Paul (Teach Starter) · 5 years ago
  
  You're most welcome, Sasha!
Gail Whately · 11 years ago

great resource for students.