Get your students moving, thinking, and observing with the Nets Investigation Worksheet—a hands-on activity that encourages learners to explore 3D objects and their nets in real-world contexts. This flexible and engaging task is ideal for extending geometry understanding beyond the classroom textbook and into the school environment.

Students are challenged to locate real-life objects that correspond with the included net shapes, either in the classroom or based on previous knowledge and experiences. This connection between abstract geometric representations and tangible items strengthens student understanding of how nets translate into 3D forms.

Extension versions of the activity are included for students ready to take on a challenge. These versions ask students to identify more complex nets and apply their knowledge by drawing their own nets based on known properties. It’s the perfect task for independent learning, paired collaboration, or fast finishers who are ready to deepen their spatial thinking.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Recognise and match 3D nets to their corresponding 3D objects
• ✅ Make real-world connections between geometry and everyday items
• ✅ Describe 3D shapes using correct mathematical language
• ✅ Apply shape property knowledge to visualise and draw nets
• ✅ Develop problem-solving and observational skills through active exploration

What’s Included:

• 1 core investigation worksheet for matching nets to objects
• Extension worksheet versions for drawing and analysing more complex nets
• Visual support for each net shape
• Clear student prompts and space to record examples and answers

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheets
• Pencils or pens for recording responses
• Access to classroom items or real-world references for object matching
• Optional: 3D models or net templates for hands-on comparison

How to Use:

1. Introduce or revise the concept of 3D nets with your class.
2. Provide each student or pair with a worksheet and brief them on the task.
3. Encourage students to explore the classroom or think back to known objects that match the given nets.
4. Use the extension worksheet with students ready for the added challenge of drawing or analysing more complex nets.
5. Review findings together to reinforce shape vocabulary and spatial understanding.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Include as part of a 3D shapes rotation station
• 💡 Set as a challenge task for early finishers
• 💡 Use during maths investigations week for hands-on geometry
• 💡 Assign as a paired activity to encourage discussion and teamwork
• 💡 Display completed sheets as part of a “Net Detectives” shape wall

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Provide vocabulary prompts such as “faces,” “edges,” and “folds” to scaffold explanations
• 💛 Offer physical shape models for comparison and support
• 💛 Use laminated versions for repeated use or dry-erase writing
• 💛 Let students present their favourite net-to-object match to the class

Nets Investigation Worksheet is a hands-on, curriculum-aligned activity that turns geometry into an interactive challenge—perfect for strengthening understanding of 3D shapes and their nets in a meaningful and memorable way.

Check out our related activity: Nets Properties Match.