Challenge 058 · Ages 9–16
Geometric Solids
Design printable maths solids.
Recommended Guided Learning Time: 2.5 hours
Learners may require additional or fewer hours depending on age, prior experience, pace and the level of development they choose to take their project to.
Primary STEAM area
Mathematics
The Challenge
What will your learner investigate?
Can you design printable maths solids. and explain the choices that make your solution effective?
Learning outcomes
- Create a three-dimensional design that meets a defined purpose.
- Use scale, dimensions and spatial reasoning accurately.
- Evaluate and refine the model for printability, function or appearance.
Connected learning
Design & Technology: CAD and prototyping; Mathematics: geometry, scale and measurement; Art: form and aesthetics; Computing: digital modelling.
Dream Areas
Prepare for this Challenge
What you'll need
Here's what may be useful for completing this activity. Requirements may vary depending on the learner, activity format and equipment available.
Materials & consumables
- 3D-print plastic printing filament (material fed into a 3D printer)
- labelled nets
- geometry worksheet.
Equipment, tools & software
- computer-aided design (CAD) software for drawing 3D models
- 3D printer
- ruler
- callipers (a tool for measuring small dimensions accurately).
Safety & preparation
- Check dimensions and supervise removal of printed supports.
These preparation notes support planning and do not replace a project-specific risk assessment or appropriate adult supervision.