New
New
Year 6
The same 3D shapes can be composed from different 2D nets
I can identify different 2D nets which will create the same 3D shape.
New
New
Year 6
The same 3D shapes can be composed from different 2D nets
I can identify different 2D nets which will create the same 3D shape.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- A net is a 2D shape that can be folded and joined to create a 3D shape.
- There can be more than one way to create a net for a given 3D shape.
- Not all arrangements of shapes will form the net of a 3D shape.
Keywords
Net - A net is a 2D representation of the faces of a 3D shape, that can be folded up into the 3D object.
Common misconception
It is perfectly possible for pupils to be highly numerate but struggle with the spatial awareness needed to visualise / imagine whether a 2D net will fold together to form a 2D shape.
As part of the lesson design process you may wish to incorporate manipulatives such as construction materials for those pupils whose learning needs scaffolding. As with all scaffolding, aim to move pupils away from this when you can.
If pupils are miscounting the faces of a 2D shape when planning to create its net, provide small sticky notes for them to place on a face when it has been counted.
Teacher tip
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
Match the shape to the correct number of sides.
triangle
parallelogram
pentagon
hexagon
octagon
Q2.
Which of these shapes is a net?
Q3.
Which of these could be the net of a cube?
Q4.
Which 2D shapes would be required to form the net of a cylinder?
Triangle
Pentagon
Q5.
This is a pentagonal prism. It would need two pentagons in its net. How many rectangles would it need?
Q6.
What needs to happen to this net to make it the net of a triangular prism?
Nothing. It is already the net of a triangular prism.
Add another triangle.
Remove a rectangle.
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
Which of these statements is true?
All 3D shapes have exactly one net.
Q2.
Which of these statements is true?
Net a would form a triangular prism but net b would not.
Net b would form a triangular prism but net a would not.
Q3.
Which of these are nets for a triangular prism?
Q4.
Look carefully at the net of the cube. Match the letters so that opposite faces of the cube are together.
d
e
f
Q5.
This is a net for a dice. Which face would have 2 spots?
Face a
Face b
Face d
Face e
Q6.
Which of these are nets of a cube?
