Did you know National Crayon Day is March 31? This year we designed and built boxes for crayons. I did this to get children to think about the shape of solids such as rectangular prisms. First we discussed and built a net for a cube. I had children do this and we discussed the number of faces and if there were other ways to make a net for a cube. Children enjoy this and it supports their math. I bring in boxes that I have cut apart and we discuss different packaging. We also discuss careers of graphic designers and how they design the printed packaging on boxes. In the second lesson, I give students ¾ inch grid paper to draw a box net and cut it out. Next, I tell them they can draw an outline of their net and cut it out. The next step is designing their packaging. I do this lesson in two steps but honestly this lesson could take longer. as they are packaging designers. Many students need longer to create a correct box. Prepare extra sheets of paper.

Here is the lesson if I were to teach it in steps:

Lesson 1: Bring in snap cubes and discuss the number of faces on a cube. Give each child a sheet of paper. I do not give them grid paper, but only a white sheet of paper. I have a few students who figure out how to do this successfully and have them share.

Lesson 2: Review the nets for a cube and show students other rectangular prism boxes. I allow children to look at the rectangular prism boxes as needed. Tell students to use their own crayon box in their desk as an example. I give students a sheet of grid paper to draw their box outline, cut the outline, color, and build their box. I allow them to use a glue stick ONLY after they can fold their box without glue.

Here are some of the students at work!

Below is a net lesson I enjoy that helps discover nets for a cube!