Nets

A net is a 2-D model of a 3-D shape that shows all of

its faces and can be folded to make the 3-D shape.
Faces that touch should be connected on the net.
Faces that do not touch should not be connected on
the net.

Match a net to each one of these shapes. Explain how

you figured it out. (There is one net that doesnt have a
match.)

Strategies for drawing nets:

1. You can imagine that all the faces of the 3-D
shape are folded down.
2. You can roll the 3-D shape around and trace all
the faces.
3. You can trace all the faces of a 3-D shape and
then figure out how they connect.

Try this with your group:

Look at the 6 nets here. Which ones will fold up into a
cube? How do you know?

Try this on your own:

1. Choose 4 different 3-D shapes according to these
rules:
Choose at least one rectangular prism made with
linking cubes.
Choose at least one different type of prism.
Choose at least one pyramid.
2 of your shapes (a pyramid and a prism) should
have the same base.
2. Draw a net for each of your 4 shapes.
3. Describe how you did this.
4. Why/when do you think nets are useful?