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The same 3D shapes can be composed from different 2D nets

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can identify different 2D nets which will create the same 3D shape.

Key learning points

  1. A net is a 2D shape that can be folded and joined to create a 3D shape.
  2. There can be more than one way to create a net for a given 3D shape.
  3. 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.

Teacher tip

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.

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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Prior knowledge starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the shape to the correct number of sides.

Correct Answer:3,triangle

triangle

Correct Answer:4,parallelogram

parallelogram

Correct Answer:5,pentagon

pentagon

Correct Answer:6,hexagon

hexagon

Correct Answer:8,octagon

octagon

Q2.
Which of these shapes is a net?

An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz

Q3.
Which of these could be the net of a cube?

An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz

Q4.
Which 2D shapes would be required to form the net of a cylinder?

An image in a quiz
Correct answer: Circle
Triangle
Correct answer: Rectangle
Pentagon

Q5.
This is a pentagonal prism. It would need two pentagons in its net. How many rectangles would it need?

An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: 5, five

Q6.
What needs to happen to this net to make it the net of a triangular prism?

An image in a quiz
Nothing. It is already the net of a triangular prism.
Correct answer: Add another rectangle.
Add another triangle.
Remove a rectangle.

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these statements is true?

Correct answer: All 3D shapes have a net.
All 3D shapes have exactly one net.
Correct answer: It is possible for a 3D shape to have more than one net.

Q2.
Which of these statements is true?

An image in a quiz
Net a would form a triangular prism but net b would not.
Net b would form a triangular prism but net a would not.
Correct answer: Both nets would form a triangular prism.

Q3.
Which of these are nets for a triangular prism?

Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz

Q4.
Look carefully at the net of the cube. Match the letters so that opposite faces of the cube are together.

An image in a quiz
Correct Answer:a,d

d

Correct Answer:b,e

e

Correct Answer:c,f

f

Q5.
This is a net for a dice. Which face would have 2 spots?

An image in a quiz
Face a
Face b
Correct answer: Face c
Face d
Face e

Q6.
Which of these are nets of a cube?

An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz

To help you plan your 6 maths lesson on: The same 3D shapes can be composed from different 2D nets, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...