Platonic and Archimedean solids

This activity will introduce you to special families of three-dimensional shapes called polyhedra. In particular there are two activity sheets that will allow you to construct examples of polyhedra from the family of Platonic solids and the family of Archimedean solids. You will need to print out the activities and have access to scissors and glue.

Some of these three-dimensional shapes have connections to optimisation problems, and as we look to the future to make best use of our raw materials and make efficient use of space we need to be able to describe and understand three-dimensional shapes like the ones included in these activities.

Activity 1: The Platonic Solids

Learn About and Build Your Own Platonic Solids

Activity 2: The Archimedean Solids

Learn About and Build Your Own Archimedean Solids

First published: 3 May 2023

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Cartoon mathematician with equations and numbers.

School of Mathematics & Statistics, University of Glasgow