Introduction: Don't You Like Math? Beware of Halloween!
If you don't like math, then on Halloween, evil forces will come for you!
Create two guards who will protect you from evil forces!
Well, or, be ready for the math exam….
We've got the shape nets to create two guards! The dodecahedron and icosahedron were chosen as the basis.
The icosahedron is a geometric solid that can be composed of twenty identical equilateral triangles.
The dodecahedron is a geometric solid that can be composed of twelve regular pentagons.
Two classical regular polyhedrons - the icosahedron and the dodecahedron - can be made in an unusual shape.
But now we cut holes inside the polyhedrons, like in a pumpkin for Halloween.
To assemble two models, we need two shape nets of A4 paper.
Glue, scissors. And about 1 hour of your time.
Even the youngest readers can handle these crafts.
It is advisable to find orange paper in tribute to the traditions of the holiday.
And, of course, the orange paper will remind us, as if we are carving a real pumpkin!
Step 1: The Icosahedron Assembly Diagram
For convenience, the fold lines can be drawn with a ballpoint pen. This will make the fold lines more precise.
Cut the shape net with ordinary scissors along the contour.
Bend all the elements of the net along the fold lines.
The fold should be done inward.
The process of gluing the net is straightforward.
The petals are marked with numbers indicating the gluing sequence.
Step 2: The Dodecahedron Assembly Diagram
The assembly of the dodecahedron is similar to the previous step.
Cut the shape net with ordinary scissors along the contour.
Bend all the elements of the shape net along the fold lines.
The fold should be done inward.
The process of gluing the net is straightforward.
The petals are marked with numbers indicating the gluing sequence.
Step 3: Mathematicians Can Joke Too!
On the one hand, it will be a decoration for the celebration of Halloween. On the other hand, it will remind you of these two wonderful geometric bodies' mathematical components.
The polyhedrons' dimensions are selected so that the polyhedron can be inscribed in a sphere with a diameter of 100 mm.
You can download the classic shape nets of the dodecahedron and icosahedron here.
Maybe there is a ready-made kit so that I don't cut out the parts, but just glue it together?
Yes, there is such a set. Called Magic Edges 12. It can be found on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FF7F1VQ
P.S. And someone already frightened children with polyhedrons?
In the popular cartoon "The Simpsons," Lisa shows the little girl a picture of a dodecahedron. By this, the cartoon authors wanted to show that the "dodecahedron" is something from the realm of science fiction. But you and I know that it's simple - mathematics.

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29 Comments
2 years ago
Gr8!!! Thanks for sharing
2 years ago
I have a Cricut Explore Air 2 cutting machine. I'm hoping I can figure out how to get it to cut this shape for me, so I can avoid the tedium of cutting it by hand and the inevitable "Oh crap, I wasn't supposed to cut that part..."
Any chance you have the shape net as a basic SVG outline?
Reply 2 years ago
No problem!
I saved the shape nets for you in svg-format (A2):
https://polyhedr.com/images/article/Halloween%20po...
https://polyhedr.com/images/article/Halloween%20po...
Reply 2 years ago
Thanks so much for the SVG's!!! Will use them with my Silhouette cutting machine!
Reply 2 years ago
Excellent!
LovieLH, please share what material will you do?
Reply 2 years ago
OMG! You are fabulous! I'll have to try these out and let you know how it goes.
Tip 2 years ago
can i do it
Reply 2 years ago
Oh sure
2 years ago
Great tip about using a ball point pen for creases! Worked wonders!
Reply 2 years ago
nice
Reply 2 years ago
2 years ago on Step 1
that looks so cool i can do it mostly every halloween it looks so cool
Reply 2 years ago
and who is the artist that created this it is awsome
2 years ago
THK. Good job!
Reply 2 years ago
2 years ago
Such an interesting project.
Reply 2 years ago
Thanks!
I am glad that we managed to interest you.
2 years ago
This is awesome! Do you have a recommendation for the best type of glue to use?
Reply 2 years ago
Thanks!
The choice of glue is inextricably linked to the choice of paper.
The thicker the paper, the stronger the glue you need.
For office paper (standard density 80 g / m2), glue stick may be sufficient.
But if it is designer paper (for example, with a density of 250 g / m2), then it is recommended to use PVA glue (white glue) and buy such glue not in a regular office store, but in specialized stores (for example OBI).
I had an article on the choice of glue. Perhaps you can find useful information in it:
https://polyhedr.com/which-glue-to-choose.html
2 years ago
Somewhere I have some net designs that allow a thread to be pulled and essentially assemble the shape with a simple tug. I'll try to find them and see if a pop-up version could be made!