Solar System 3-D Puzzle

Purpose: To create an eight-cube paper puzzle of the solar system

Teacher Prep

Use a craft knife or razor blade to cut the small slots on each cube piece.

Materials

• glue (optional)
• markers
• scissors
• solar system puzzle patterns*
• tape

*Best if copies are made on card stock

Procedure

1. Carefully cut out each cube pattern.
2. Pre-fold each pattern piece on the lines to make sure that the folds are square. If using very thick paper, score the lines first with a wooden skewer.
3. Each pattern forms a single cube. Join the corresponding tabs and slots (A to A, B to B, and so on) of the puzzle pieces to begin forming the cubes.
4. Use tape on the inside of the cubes to hold them in place.
5. Continue to join the edges of the cubes together by inserting tabs into the corresponding slots that are cut into the flaps until all sides are joined.
6. After assembling the cubes, you can make them stronger by pulling the tabs slightly from their slots and placing a small drop of glue on the tabs.
7. Push the tabs back in and set the cubes aside to dry.
8. When all the cubes are assembled, put the puzzle together.
9. Starting with one side of the puzzle at a time, color the images of the objects pictured. Use colors suggested by images in books, videos, or internet sites.
10. Enjoy the cubes!!
    

For a complete Solar System Puzzle Kit, visit http://spacelink.nasa.gov/Instructional.Materials/NASA.Educational.Products/Solar.System.Puzzle.Kit/