3D figures

Constructing 3D figures such as cubes and rectangular prisms is excellent math learning!

After building the frames, students have an understanding about some important STEM woodworking concepts - the importance of plans and accurate measurement, using gussets to make 90 degree angles on corners for stability, and how to use math to make appropriate measurements around a frame. They can apply this understanding to constructing cubes and/or rectangular prisms.

We usually leave this building activity much less scripted and more open ended. We tell students that they should draw up a plan showing how much wood they will need by drawing a scale model of their cube or prism. We remind them about not counting the 1 cm overlap on the sides so that if they are making a cube, they won't end up accidentally with a prism!! Once they have drawn up a plan and a cut list, they can use the saws or Kidder Cutters to cut the pieces. An extra challenge can be to have them use 45 degree angle cuts on the wood and see if they can piece them together properly!

This can be enhanced by adding some Arts to make this a STEAM challenge by having them decorate each side of the cube similarly to the frame, using acetate sheets and drawing decorations, and then gluing the sheets on the 6 sides. This can be a Christmas tree ornament or just a gift for someone or to keep for themselves as a decoration.