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      Checking and securing understanding of nets of solids

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can relate a solid to its net, draw a solid from its net and draw a net from its solid.

      Key learning points

      1. A net is composed of polygons.
      2. Folding a net along certain edges and joining others, produces a solid.
      3. By studying the polygons in the net, you can deduce what solid is made.
      4. By studying the solid, you can draw the net.

      Keywords

      • Net - The net of a 3D object is a 2D representation of its surfaces that can be folded up into the 3D object.

      Common misconception

      Pupils may misconfigure the net, believing that as long as the shapes of the faces are correct, the net will fold to be the desired 3D shape.

      Have pupils mark/label/colour the edges that will join upon folding the net, this will ensure they are the correct length.

      Teacher tip

      Some pupils will struggle with visualising a net folding to make the solid. Videos, interactivities, 3D shapes and tiles can support them to physically see the net folding and unfolding.

      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.
      A is a flat (2D), closed figure made up of straight line segments.

      Correct Answer: polygon

      Q2.
      A __________ is any polygon that has four straight sides.

      kite
      Correct answer: quadrilateral
      rectangle
      rhombus
      square

      Q3.
      Select the properties of a regular $$n$$-sided polygon.

      Correct answer: $$n$$ equal angles
      $$(n-1)$$ equal angles
      Correct answer: $$n$$ equal side lengths
      Correct answer: Rotational symmetry of degree $$n$$
      $$(n-1)$$ lines of symmetry

      Q4.
      Select the 3D shapes.

      Correct answer: cone
      Correct answer: cuboid
      dodecagon
      Correct answer: prism
      trapezium

      Q5.
      A cuboid has faces.

      Correct Answer: 6, six

      Q6.
      A triangular prism has faces.

      Correct Answer: 5, five

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      The of a 3D object is a 2D representation of its surfaces that can be folded up into the 3D object.

      Correct Answer: net

      Q2.
      A solid is created from regular quadrilaterals and regular hexagons only. Which of these nets could be for the solid?

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

      Q3.
      The diagram shows a net of a .

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: cylinder

      Q4.
      Which of these diagrams shows a net for a tetrahedron?

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

      Q5.
      Which of these diagrams show a 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
      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q6.
      Which of the following rectangles can be used to create the net of a cuboid?

      An image in a quiz
      A, C and G
      Correct answer: A, C and E
      B, F and G
      C, E and F
      D, E and F

      To help you plan your 11 maths lesson on: Checking and securing understanding of nets of solids, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...