Name the Parts of a Cube
Make a paper cube model, identify and label its faces, edges, and vertices, and count them to learn three dimensional shapes.
About this activity
Make a paper cube model, identify and label its faces, edges, and vertices, and count them to learn three dimensional shapes.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all materials and clear a flat workspace so you have room to draw and fold.
- 2
Step 2
Use your ruler and pencil to draw six equal squares in a cross shape: four squares in a row with one square attached above the second square and one square attached below the second square.
- 3
Step 3
Cut out the net carefully around the outside edges to separate it from the rest of the paper.
- 4
Step 4
Score every line between the squares by running the dull side of the scissors or the ruler along the line so the paper folds easily.
- 5
Step 5
Fold along every scored line to make crisp creases so the net starts to bend into a cube shape.
- 6
Step 6
Put glue or tape on the small tab on the net to prepare it for assembly.
- 7
Step 7
Press the edges together and attach the glued or taped tab so the net becomes a closed cube; hold until the glue sets or the tape sticks.
- 8
Step 8
Use your colouring materials to give each face a different color or write a different number on each face so they are easy to tell apart.
- 9
Step 9
Mark each edge with a small number or short line and label them E1 through E12 so you can count them one by one.
- 10
Step 10
Put a dot at each corner and label the corner dots V1 through V8 so each vertex is easy to find.
- 11
Step 11
Count the labeled faces and write the total number on a scrap of paper.
- 12
Step 12
Count the labeled edges and write the total number on your scrap of paper.
- 13
Step 13
Count the labeled vertices and write the total number on your scrap of paper.
- 14
Step 14
Check your counts to see that you have identified every face edge and vertex correctly.
- 15
Step 15
Take a photo or write a short note about what you discovered and share your finished cube model and findings on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do you do the "Name the Parts of a Cube" activity?
To do this activity, print or draw a cube net on cardstock, cut it out, fold along the lines, and glue or tape the tabs to make a cube. Ask the child to identify and label each face (use stickers or markers), then mark and count edges and vertices. Confirm counts: 6 faces, 12 edges, 8 vertices. Encourage coloring faces differently and recording numbers on paper. Try timing or comparing with different-sized nets for extensions.
What materials do I need for the cube labeling activity?
Materials: cardstock or thick paper, scissors, ruler, pencil, glue or clear tape, markers or crayons, and a printable cube net (or draw one). Optional: colored stickers, labels, a numbering pen, and pre-cut nets for younger children. You can also use foam sheets, cardboard, or building blocks to make a 3D cube. Supervise scissors use and choose larger tools for small hands.
What ages is this activity suitable for?
This activity suits ages about 5 to 12. Preschoolers (5–6) enjoy it with pre-cut nets, stickers, and adult help for cutting and labeling. Children 7–9 can assemble independently, label faces/edges/vertices, and practice counting. Ages 10–12 can design their own nets, explore why cubes always have 6 faces, 12 edges, and 8 vertices, and try challenges like nets for other solids. Always supervise young children with scissors or glue.
What are the benefits of naming parts of a cube?
Benefits: Making and labeling a paper cube strengthens spatial reasoning, geometry vocabulary (faces, edges, vertices), and counting skills. It builds fine motor skills through cutting and folding, encourages following sequences and problem-solving, and introduces 3D thinking useful in STEM subjects. Hands-on models make abstract math concrete and boost confidence. Use group versions to develop communication, or add timed challenges and comparisons for extension.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of a ruler, scissors, or glue if we don't have them?
If you don't have a ruler, use the straight edge of a book to draw the squares in step 2, replace scissors with a craft knife (with adult help) or carefully tear along the outline in step 3, and use clear tape instead of glue on the tab in step 6.
My cube won't fold or the edges don't meet—what should I do?
If the cube won't close in step 7, re-score the fold lines from step 4 more deeply with the dull side of the scissors or ruler, ensure the six squares from step 2 are exactly equal, and trim any uneven outer cuts from step 3 before gluing the tab in step 6.
How can I adapt this activity for younger or older children?
For younger kids, pre-draw and pre-cut the net after step 2, use thicker card and stickers for labeling in steps 8–12, while older kids can design their own net in step 2 and extend steps 11–13 by proving Euler's formula for the cube.
How can we extend or personalize the finished cube?
Personalize the colored cube from step 8 by turning it into a custom dice with pips or pictures, add textured tape or raised labels to the edges in step 9 and vertices in step 10, or build several cubes to compare counts before sharing in step 15.