Joan Irvine - Outside the Box!. Creative Activities for Ecology-Minded Kids

Here are the shapes youll need to make fold-up boxes. To make small boxes out of a single sheet of 22 cm x 28 cm (8 in. x 11 in.) paper, trace the small shapes. For larger boxes, trace the big shapes. (Youll need larger pieces of paper, such as gift wrap.)

Parallelogram

Triangle

Rectangle

Square

Trace the shapes onto white paper, then carefully cut them out.

Did you know that the rectangle is made by joining two squares? The parallelogram is made by joining two triangles.

To make sturdier patterns, glue the shapes to bristol board and cut them out.

Now that you have the four basic shapes, youre ready to make many kinds of boxes.

See the ideas on the following pages.

Materials

geometric shapes from pages 12 and 13
a piece of paper or bristol board22 cm x
28 cm (8 in. x 11 in.) (if you are using
the small geometric shapes) or larger
paper (if you are using the big shapes)
Also: scissors, clear tape (or glue or stapler),
pencil, ruler

Here is your box pattern. Steps 1 to 4 tell you how to draw it.

Lay the square shape in the middle of your paper and trace around it with a pencil.

Then place the square shape immediately beside the square that you have drawn and carefully trace around it.

Follow the pattern below and add the other squares and triangles in the same way. Cut around the outside of your shape.

Score the dotted lines on the pattern. 4 see page 7 about scoring.

Fold the square sides upwards first. Then fold in the triangular ends. Tape, staple or glue the triangle ends of the box to the rest of the box. Now you have a small box.

More Small Boxes

Gift Basket

Make your box into a basket by adding a handle to it. Cut a strip of paper 28 cm x 2.5 cm (11 in. x 1 in.) and fasten it to the sides of the box using staples or tape.

Party Candy Holder

Draw, colour and cut out flowers. Glue them to the outside edge of the box. Put candies inside the box and place one in front of each party guest!

Easter Basket

Add a handle to the box (see left). Draw, colour and cut out a rabbits head and glue it to one end of the box. Glue a pom-pom tail to the other end of the box.

Box with a Lid

If you make two identical boxes, you can fit one inside the other.

By tracing and cutting out the basic geometric shapes, you can make these boxes and objects.

Use the geometric shapes, paper, a ruler, a pair of scissors and glue or tape. Follow the patterns carefully.

Rectangular Box

Use the rectangle, square and triangle shapes. Fold the sides and ends up, overlap the triangular ends and fasten them with tape or glue. If you make two boxes, you can fit one inside the other to form a lid.