Have fun building!!

Straw
Connectors
Used to Construct

Three
Dimensional
Shapes
Straw Connectors’ History:

Every year when I teach three dimensional shapes, I have students use chenille
sticks (pipe cleaners) and straws to construct prisms and pyramids.

This year I looked for something easier for the students to use. I spent money
on plastic straw connectors that did not work.

So I played around with the chenille stick. I made a Y shape by cutting one
chenille stick in half and twisting the halves together one third of the way.
This Y shape became my straw connector.

I made an X shaped connector by twisting together two halves at the mid point.

I made a star shaped connector by twisting together 2 halves at the mid point
and then twisting on, at the mid point, a third chenille half stick.

I am excited to see how these new straw connectors work for my students!
Build away!!!
Start with a full chenille stick.
Cut it in half.
Twist together to form a Y shape.
Twist together at the mid point to
form an X shaped connector.
Twist together 3 halves to form a
star shaped connector.
Use the Y shaped connectors and straws to
construct a triangular pyramid.
Use the Y shaped connectors and straws to
construct a triangular prism.
Use the Y shaped connectors and straws to
construct a cube.
Use the X and Y shaped connectors and straws
to construct a square pyramid.
Use the star shaped connectors and straws to
construct a Icosahedron.
Have fun building!!
 Created by Alison Horstman for
teachers of primary grade students.
Thanks to Sam, Katie
and Sofia for testing
out the connectors and
building great three
dimensional shapes!