2D representations of 3D shapes

There are 44 NRICH Mathematical resources connected to 2D representations of 3D shapes
Take Ten
problem

Take ten

Age
11 to 14
Challenge level
filled star filled star filled star
Is it possible to remove ten unit cubes from a 3 by 3 by 3 cube so that the surface area of the remaining solid is the same as the surface area of the original?
The solid
problem

The solid

Age
11 to 16
Challenge level
filled star empty star empty star
A task which depends on members of the group working collaboratively to reach a single goal.
Cutting a Cube
problem

Cutting a cube

Age
11 to 14
Challenge level
filled star filled star filled star
A half-cube is cut into two pieces by a plane through the long diagonal and at right angles to it. Can you draw a net of these pieces? Are they identical?
Solids
problem

Solids

Age
11 to 16
Challenge level
filled star empty star empty star
A task which depends on members of the group working collaboratively to reach a single goal.
Placeholder: several colourful numbers
problem

Which face?

Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
filled star empty star empty star
Which faces are opposite each other when this net is folded into a cube?
3D drawing
article

3d drawing

The design technology curriculum requires students to be able to represent 3-dimensional objects on paper. This article introduces some of the mathematical ideas which underlie such methods.
Geometry and Gravity 1
article

Geometry and gravity 1

This article (the first of two) contains ideas for investigations. Space-time, the curvature of space and topology are introduced with some fascinating problems to explore.
Thinking 3D
article

Thinking 3d

How can we as teachers begin to introduce 3D ideas to young children? Where do they start? How can we lay the foundations for a later enthusiasm for working in three dimensions?
The development of spatial and geometric thinking: 5 to 18
article

The development of spatial and geometric thinking: 5 to 18

This is the first article in a series which aim to provide some insight into the way spatial thinking develops in children, and draw on a range of reported research. The focus of this article is the work of Piaget and Inhelder.