Combine 3D shapes to make an object
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Build a model creature or vehicle by combining 3D shapes from cardboard or clay, learning about solids, symmetry, and basic measurement while experimenting.

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Step-by-step guide to combine 3D shapes to make an object

What you need
Adult supervision required, cardboard sheets or air-dry clay, child-safe scissors, colouring materials, glue or tape, pencil and paper, ruler, small bowl of water, toothpicks or clay tool

Step 1

Choose whether you will use cardboard or clay and pick a creature or vehicle idea to make.

Step 2

Draw a simple sketch on paper showing the main 3D shapes and a center line for symmetry.

Step 3

Use your ruler to measure and mark the size of each 3D shape on the cardboard or plan the sizes of clay lumps to match your sketch.

Step 4

Cut out the marked shapes from cardboard with scissors or shape the clay lumps into spheres cylinders cones and boxes with your hands.

Step 5

Make matching left and right parts like wings or legs so your model stays symmetrical.

Step 6

Join the main body shapes together using glue or tape for cardboard or toothpicks and water for clay.

Step 7

Attach arms wings wheels or other large parts to the body so the model looks like your sketch.

Step 8

Add small details like eyes antennae or windows using small cutouts or tiny clay bits.

Step 9

Check measurements and balance with your ruler and move or trim parts if the model wobbles or looks uneven.

Step 10

Smooth rough edges and seams by sanding cardboard edges or smoothing clay with water and a tool.

Step 11

Decorate your creature or vehicle with colouring materials and let any glue or clay dry completely.

Step 12

Share your finished creation on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use if we don't have cardboard or clay?

If you don't have cardboard or clay, substitute thin foam board or clean cereal boxes for cardboard and use play‑dough or air‑dry modelling clay for clay, and replace toothpicks with wooden skewers cut to size.

My model keeps wobbling—what should I try?

Follow the 'Check measurements and balance with your ruler and move or trim parts' step, then widen or add a heavier cardboard base, reinforce joints with extra glue or tape, or push toothpicks into clay joints before smoothing so legs and wings stay steady.

How can I adapt this activity for different ages?

For younger children, pre‑cut the 3D shapes and use play‑dough and stickers so they can match left and right parts easily, while older kids can use precise ruler measurements, sand seams, and build moving wheels or hinged parts as in steps 3, 9 and 11.

How can we extend or personalize our creature or vehicle?

To enhance your model from steps 6–12, add functioning wheels on axles, paint detailed windows and antennae, texture or sand edges for realism, attach small LED lights or a decorated diorama base, and then share the finished creation on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to combine 3D shapes to make an object

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How To Make 3D Shapes Model for School Project | 3D Shapes Maths Project | Geometric Shapes Model

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Facts about 3D geometry and measurement

📏 A 30 cm (12 in) ruler is a handy tool for measuring and comparing parts while kids learn real-world measuring skills.

🎨 Air-dry clays often shrink a little (commonly 1–5%) as they dry, so making parts slightly oversized helps them fit after drying.

🔁 Bilateral symmetry (mirror-image halves) is common in animals — making models symmetrical usually makes creatures look balanced and familiar.

📦 Corrugated cardboard has a fluted inner layer that makes it lightweight yet strong, great for building large but light frames.

🧩 There are only five Platonic solids — perfect, regular 3D shapes that have inspired builders and artists for centuries.

How do I build a model creature or vehicle by combining 3D shapes?

Start by sketching a simple design and labeling the 3D shapes you'll need (cylinders, cubes, cones, spheres). Measure and scale each part using a ruler so pieces fit together. Cut shapes from cardboard or shape clay into forms, then join with glue, tape, or by scoring and slotting tabs. Check symmetry as you assemble, adjust sizes, and add details like eyes, wheels, or antennas. Finish by painting and testing balance and movement.

What materials do I need to build a model creature or vehicle from cardboard or clay?

You'll need cardboard or air-dry clay, scissors and a craft knife (adult use), a ruler and compass for measurement, pencil and templates, glue (PVA or hot glue with supervision), tape, paints and brushes, markers, toothpicks or skewers for joins, sandpaper for smoothing, and optional wheels or brads. Recycled boxes, bottle caps, and foam sheets make great substitutes. Keep a cutting mat and safety goggles on hand for safer cutting.

What ages is combining 3D shapes to build models suitable for?

Suitable ages depend on complexity: 3–5-year-olds can explore simple stacking with adult help using soft clay or pre-cut cardboard shapes; 6–8-year-olds can measure and assemble basic creatures or vehicles with scissors and glue; 9–12-year-olds can handle precise measuring, slotting, and more complex symmetry challenges; teens can design scale models and experiment with moving parts. Always adapt tools and supervision for younger children and offer templates to reduce frustration.

What are the benefits of building model creatures or vehicles from 3D shapes?

Combining 3D shapes teaches geometry, spatial reasoning, and measurement in a hands-on way while boosting creativity and fine motor skills. Working on symmetry and scale reinforces math concepts; assembling parts develops planning, problem-solving, and patience. It's a STEM-friendly activity that encourages experimentation and persistence. To extend learning, compare volumes of shapes, try mirrored symmetry, or convert designs into moving models with wheels or simple axles to explore motion and
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Combine 3D shapes to make an object. Activities for Kids.