Topological Nets

Topological nets are sequences of polygons arranged in the plane that can be overlapped, twisted, woven or intertwined to form a diverse range of structures. These include Kepler knots, Kepler-Möbius strips, Kepler links, Kepler braids, Kepler weaves, Escher polyknots, and Roelofs polyknots, among others.

Topological nets provide STEAMath educators with an engaging way to introduce topological concepts early in students’ education, fostering mathematical curiosity and development over time.

Below, you’ll find examples of these nets and the structures they generate. Additional completed examples can be explored on the associated pages of this site.

To design and create your own topological nets like those below for downloading, printing, gluing, and assembling, I recommend using the free online tool Polypad at:  Mathigon – The Mathematical Playground .