Be a Paper Engineer

In this Shell Centre activity students design make and evaluate 3D paper products including gift boxes and pop-up greetings cards. They explore 3D shape-and-space, making generalisations using words and algebra.

In groups, students make a wide variety of pop-up cards, gift boxes and envelopes in order to familiarise themselves with the techniques involved.

Students investigate techniques including a 2-dimensional representation of a 3-dimensional product, explaining design features, making a 3-dimensional product etc. Groups pool ideas for paper products and then, individually, students attempt to design and make an accurate version of one of the products. Students then attempt to produce `kits' of their designs so that other people can make the products.

• URL: http://stem.org.uk/rxcu