🧩 Math Mission • Nets and Pyramids

How can a flat drawing become a paper pyramid?

You will explore 2D and 3D figures, learn key words, design a square pyramid, and explain how the parts of a pyramid show up in its net.

Learning Target 1I can use a three-dimensional figure to create a two-dimensional net.
Learning Target 2I can use structure to match a net with a three-dimensional figure.
⏱ 6–8 minutes

Launch: Be Curious

Look carefully at the pyramid picture. What do you notice? What do you wonder?

Pyramids on a desert background
Helpful words:
face base triangle square paper fold Yo noto... Me pregunto...
⏱ 10–12 minutes

Vocabulary Builder

Read each word. Use the picture and the Spanish support to help you explain the word in English.

Match the Word to the Meaning

Drag each word to its meaning. Then check your work.

Words

Meanings

⏱ 7–9 minutes

Yuzuki’s Pyramid Project

Yuzuki is making a paper replica of the Pyramids of Giza for a social studies project. What can help her make paper pyramids?

3D Square Pyramid
1 square base 4 triangular faces

Think: What does Yuzuki need?

A list of colors onlyThis helps decorate, but not build the shape.
A netA flat 2D pattern she can fold into a 3D pyramid.
A number lineThis helps with numbers, but not the paper shape.

Explain in Your Own Words

Sentence Frames:
Yuzuki can use a ___ because ___. A net is helpful because it shows ___. Una red ayuda porque muestra ___.
⏱ 8–10 minutes

Sort: Two-Dimensional or Three-Dimensional?

Drag each figure into the correct column. Remember: 2D has length and width. 3D has length, width, and height.

Language Help:
2D = flat 3D = solid length width height

2D Figures

3D Figures

Quick Write

How can you determine if a figure is 2D or 3D?

⏱ 8–10 minutes

Square Pyramid Attributes

A square pyramid has one square base and four triangular side faces that meet at one vertex.

vertex square base triangular face
PartHow many?Student note
Square base1bottom polygon
Triangular faces4one on each side of the square
Total faces54 triangles + 1 square
Edges8where faces meet
Vertices5corners, including top vertex
Say it: “The pyramid has four triangular faces and one square base.”

Attribute Check

1. What shapes are needed in a net for a square pyramid?

6 squares
1 square and 4 triangles
2 circles and 1 rectangle

2. Why do the triangular faces connect to the square base?

⏱ 10–12 minutes

Independent Practice: Nets and Pyramids

Answer each question. Use the word bank and visuals when you need support.

1. Which net could make a square pyramid?

Choose 1
Net A
Net B
Net C

2. Explain why Net A works.

3. Complete the table.

FigureBase ShapeSide Faces3D Name
Square pyramid

4. A pyramid with a rectangle base that is not a square will have what kind of base in its net?

A square base
A rectangle base
A circle base
⏱ 8–10 minutes

Summarize: Nets Represent 3D Figures

A net is a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional figure. When you unfold a 3D figure, you see its 2D faces.

Must-use words:
net two-dimensional three-dimensional square base triangular faces fold

Exit Ticket

1. What can help Yuzuki make her paper pyramids?

2. How many triangular faces are in a net for a square pyramid?

2
4
6

3. Explain how a net and a pyramid are connected.

Student Confidence

Choose one.

🌱 I need more help.
🌿 I am getting it.
🌳 I can explain it.
⏱ 10–14 minutes

Final Tab: Creative Square-Pyramid Design Studio

Design a square pyramid and its net. Color it, resize it, rotate it, move it, add patterns, and decorate it. Your design still needs one square base and four triangular faces.

Design challenge: Make a creative square pyramid. Then explain how the flat net could fold into your 3D pyramid.
3D Pyramid Preview: drag the pyramid to move it. Use the controls to change color, size, height, rotation, and pattern.

Pyramid Controls

Net Design Board: drag pieces, select a piece, change its color/size/pattern, rotate it, duplicate it, or add stickers and labels.

Selected Piece

Click a net piece to select it.
Explain:
My 3D pyramid has ___. My net has ___. I changed the design by ___.
⏱ 8–12 minutes

Build a Real Square Pyramid

After designing your pyramid, use this video to build a paper pyramid. Open the link, watch the steps, and build carefully.

Build goal:
fold square base triangular faces paper pyramid doblar pirámide de papel
▶ Open Build-a-Pyramid Video

After watching/building: What step helped you the most?

Student Work Report

Use this report to review, print, or submit student work.

Saved.