Making Octahedron Shaped Ornaments

Here's a fun way to combine Math with an easy Holiday Craft Activity.

Materials

• paper
• printer
• colored pencils/crayons/paint etc. (optional)
• scissors
• glue

Octahedrons are 3D shapes with 8 sides.  All the sides are triangles!

2D representation (NET) of an Octahedron (3D Shape)

2D Shape of an Octahedron with flaps

You can download an Octahedron model (NET) from the Math is Fun Website. Click on the link below.

http://www.mathsisfun.com/platonic_solids.html
 
You can use any paper that works in a printer to print the models.

Students can decorate the 2D Shape (NET), if desired. Then they will need to cut, fold, and glue the 2D paper shape to make a 3D Figure.

These 3D Shaped Octahedrons can be used as colorful holiday ornaments or as decorations any time of year. They can be hung  in windows, from the ceiling, on a mobile, on a tree, etc.


Math Facts about Octahedrons

• 8 triangular faces (sides)
• 12 edges
• 6 vertices (corners)

  Have fun combining geometry and crafts!