How to Build a Pyramid Shape
The ancient Egyptians, Mayans and Aztecs all built structures known as pyramids. While the Aztec's and Mayan's pyramids featured steps and flat tops, the ancient Egyptians' pyramids had flat faces and came to a point on top. All three civilizations constructed square pyramids, which are defined as pyramids whose base forms a perfect square. Aside from having a square base, square pyramids also have four other faces, which are triangles. Because square pyramids are formed with a square and four identical triangles, you can create one out of cardboard, card stock or paper in just a few steps.
Things You'll Need
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Paper, card stock, or cardboard
- Glue or tape
- Utility knife
- Paint or markers (optional)
Instructions
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1
Use the ruler and pencil to draw a square in the center of your card stock, paper or cardboard. The size of the base will determine the height of the pyramid. The pyramid will be a little bit shorter in height than the length of the square edges. For example, if you want your pyramid to be about 19 inches tall, the length of the squares should be about 23 inches.
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2
Draw a triangle extending upward from the top of the square. You will be drawing four equilateral triangles, each one projecting out from one of the four sides of the square you have drawn. For the first (that is, the top) triangle, the base of the triangle should be the top line of the square, and the sides should be equal in length to that line. For example, if your square is 9 inches by 9 inches, your triangle should also have 9-inch sides.
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3
Make another triangle in the same manner, extending down from the bottom line of the square.
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4
Continue to make two more triangles like the first two extending from either side of the square, so that they both point outward.
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Cut out the entire shape, taking care to follow around the outside perimeters of the triangles closely.
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Score along the square's perimeter with a utility knife if you are using a thick material like cardboard that is resistant to folding. Be sure not to cut all the way through the material.
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Fold the top triangle down at the bottom line, so that it points in towards the square.
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Fold the bottom triangle upward at the bottom line, so that it also points in toward the square.
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Fold the left and right triangles in the same matter. They should be folded along the vertical lines to point inward.
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10
Arrange the four triangles so that the edges are all touching and the tips form a point at the top of the pyramid.
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Use glue or tape to secure the edges of the triangles together, so that your pyramid will keep its form.
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12
Consider using paints or markers to decorate your pyramid. You could make it look realistic by painting it yellow or gold and drawing bricks on the sides or you could decorate the sides with Egyptian hieroglyphics.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
