Why do this problem?

Representing 3D objects in two dimensions on paper is a vital skill in the Design Technology curriculum, as well as an aspect of Shape and Space in the Maths curriculum.  This problem is part of a set of problems which will help students to understand why there are different ways to represent a 3D object in two dimensions, and what maths lies behind each method.

The article 3D Drawing was written to support these problems.

Key questions

What are the advantages of this method of 3D drawing?  What are the disadvantages?

What features of the object are retained in the drawing, which are not?

Possible extension

Challenge students to do a perspective drawing of the structure from a different perspective!  (They should do a sketch first to ensure they know which cubes will be visible).

Possible support

Perspective drawing is much more difficult to do accurately than either oblique projection or isometric.  Students who find it difficult to draw the multi-link structure shown in the problem could be given simpler multi-link structures to draw, helping them to build up to drawing more complex ones.