1.1 Making Cubic Boxes
Some boxes are shaped like cubes. A cube is a 3­dimensional shape with 6 identical square faces.
What types of things might be packaged in cubic boxes?
1
The boxes you will work with in this problem are shaped like unit cubes. A unit cube is a cube with edges that are 1 unit long. For example: cubes that are 1­inch on each edge are called inch cubes. Cubes that are 1 centimeter n each edge are called centimeter cubes.
In this problem, you will make nets that can be folded to form boxes. A net is a 2­dimensional pattern that can be folded to form a 3­
dimensional figure. 2
Vocab
cube -a 3d object with six identical square faces
face -the side ( or flat surface) of a 3d object
unit cube -a cube with each edge length being one unit
(cm, in, mi . . .)
edge -the seam where two faces meet
vertex -corner
net (flat pattern) -a 2d shape that can be folded into a 3d object
3
1.1 Making a Cube
How many different flat patterns can you
make that will fold into a unit cube? Sketch
as many patterns as you think might work
onto your grid paper. Test each pattern by
cutting it out and folding it into a unit cube.
Find as many different, successful flat
patterns as you can. Glue them below. Find
the total area of each one and label it.
4
5
6
A. How many different nets can you make that will fold into a box shaped like a unit cube?
B. What is the total area of each net, in square units?
7
8