Math · Stage 6

Recognise and build 3D shapes from nets

A net is a 3D solid unfolded flat. Read the faces in a net to recognise which solid it makes — 6 squares make a cube, 2 triangles and 3 rectangles make a prism — then fold it back up to build the solid, with no gaps and no overlapping faces.

✦ Math📘 Stage 6 · S6⏱ ~13 min🧒 Ages 10–12★ Free to start

I can recognise and build 3D shapes from nets.

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Kavi Unfolds the Shape Factory 🛠️

Kavi peels open a cereal box and lays it flat on the branch. "Look — it's a net!" hoots Kavi. "A net is a solid unfolded into flat faces. Read the faces and you can recognise the solid: 6 squares fold into a cube, 2 triangles and 3 rectangles fold into a prism, 1 square and 4 triangles fold up to a pyramid. Gather the right faces, fold every flap up with no gaps and no overlaps — and you have built the solid back again!"

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What your child will learn

1Build a solid: the faces its net needsA net is a 3D solid unfolded flat, showing every face in one joined-up piece. To build a solid you gather exactly the faces its net shows, then fold each flap up so they close the shape with no gaps and no overlaps. Tap each solid to see the net that folds into it.

2Fold each net up — what does it build?

3First recognise the net, then build the solidWorking with nets has two jobs. Tap each card to see how.

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A peek inside

Kavi unfolds a solid and finds a net of 2 triangles and 3 rectangles. Which solid does it build, and how many edges and vertices will it have?

2 triangle ends + 3 rectangle sides → a triangular prism, which has 9 edges and 6 vertices

Try this at home: A net of 6 equal squares folds into which solid?

Ready to play and learn?

Start the free interactive lesson, or print the handout for screen-free play.

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Part of Math · Stage 6 · S6 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.