Have you been asked to make a model of a pyramid as a homework assignment? This fun school project can be approached in a number of ways. Read this article to build an ancient pyramid with cardboard, sugar cubes, etc.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Cardboard
Step 1. Get the necessary materials
With its sand-and-glue cover, this smooth-sided pyramid looks pretty lifelike and is also quite easy to make. It is very likely that you already have all the materials needed to build it at home. Gather the following items:
- A piece of cardboard
- A ruler
- A pencil
- A pair of scissors
- Hot applied gun and glue
- Washable vinyl glue (for school use)
- Brush
- Sand
Step 2. Cut out the cardboard
Use a ruler and a pencil to draw a square with a side of 20 cm on a piece of cardboard. Now draw four equilateral triangles of 20 cm on each side. Use the scissors to cut out the shapes, so that you get a square base and four triangular sides.
- If you want to make a larger pyramid, you can cut out a square and four equilateral triangles of 25 cm per side. Just make sure that the measurement of the sides of the triangles matches that of the sides of the base.
- If you have trouble cutting out the base, use a utility knife instead of scissors.
Step 3. Glue the triangles to the square base
Use the hot glue gun to draw a line on the side of a triangle; line up the side with the glue to one of the sides of the square base and press gently. Do the same thing with the other three triangles.
Step 4. Glue the triangles together
Match the sides of the triangles to create the shape of a pyramid. Seal the sides with a thin line of hot-applied glue.
Step 5. Let the glue dry
Step 6. Sprinkle the pyramid with vinyl glue
Pour some glue into a saucer and use a brush to spread it on the surface of the pyramid. Do not forget the edges, which you will then cover with sand to hide any cracks between the faces of the pyramid.
Step 7. Sprinkle the pyramid with sand
Before the glue dries, sprinkle your pyramid with sand; try to spread it evenly, so that the entire pyramid is covered with a thin layer of sand.
Step 8. Let the pyramid dry
Method 2 of 3: Using Sugar Cubes
Step 1. Gather the necessary materials
This version resembles a step pyramid with "stones" in relief. For its construction you will need:
- A box of sugar cubes
- A piece of cardboard
- A ruler
- A pencil
- Scissors
- Vinyl glue (for school use)
- Brush
- Sand
Step 2. Cut out a square of cardboard
Use ruler and pencil to draw a square on a piece of cardboard - this will be the base of your pyramid. The choice of size is at your discretion, but a base of 20 x 20 cm is just fine for such a project. Cut out the square once you have drawn it.
Step 3. Overlap the base with a layer of sugar cubes
Sprinkle the outermost part of the cardboard base with glue and cover it with sugar cubes.
- You can also use icing instead of glue. Pour 300 g of sugar into 30 ml of water. Stir until you get a homogeneous mixture.
- You can also use heat-set glue instead of vinyl glue.
Step 4. Add a second layer of cubes
Put a little glue on the first layer of sugar and overlap it with a second row of cubes, so that the upper ones remain slightly inside compared to the ones below. The second layer should require the use of fewer cubes.
Step 5. Add the next layers
For each layer, spread a varnish base on the previous layer and line up the sugar cubes as indicated above until you get to the tip of the pyramid.
Step 6. Let the glue dry
Step 7. Coat the pyramid with glue
Use a brush to coat the pyramid with a thin layer of glue, being careful not to inadvertently damage it.
Step 8. Sprinkle the pyramid with sand
Cover your pyramid with a thin layer of sand, as evenly as possible.
Step 9. Let it dry
Method 3 of 3: Using Crete
Step 1. Get the necessary materials
Using clay allows you to best express your creativity by adding realistic details to your pyramid, such as cracks and splits due to antiquity. You will need the following things:
- A piece of modeling clay (self-hardening)
- A rolling pin
- A pocket knife
- A piece of cardboard
- A ruler
- A pencil
- A pair of scissors
- Colors and brush
Step 2. Make a cardboard base
Use a ruler and pencil to draw a square on a piece of cardboard. A 6 '' x 6 '' square may work for a small pyramid, but if you have a lot of clay on hand, you can also make a larger base. Cut out the square.
Step 3. Flatten the clay
Put the clay on a dry surface and use the rolling pin to flatten it until you get a 1-2 cm thin layer.
Step 4. Measure the sides of the pyramid
Use a ruler and pencil to draw four equilateral triangles on the clay. The length of the sides of the triangles should match that of the sides of the square you have chosen as the base. If the base is a square with a side of 15 cm, the triangles must have sides of 15 cm.
Step 5. Cut out the clay triangles
Use a small knife to cut out the clay shapes.
Step 6. Smooth the sides of the triangles
Press the ruler against the sides of the triangles to flatten them slightly - this will make it easier for them to fit together.
Step 7. Assemble the pyramid
Place two triangles on the cardboard base so that the sides match with light pressure. Place a third triangle by attaching it to one of the previous ones. At this point, place the fourth triangle in order to close the pyramid.
Step 8. Engrave the faces of the pyramid
Engrave the sides of the pyramid with a small knife to create the effect of the stone blocks in relief.
Step 9. Let it dry
Let the model rest for a few hours or (better yet) overnight.
Step 10. Paint the pyramid
Pour some paint into a saucer and use a brush to spread the color on the surface of the pyramid. Use brown or sand to get the ideal effect. You can also line the pyramid with a mixture of glue and sand if you prefer.
Step 11. Let it dry
Advice
- The glue can smear the work surface; use newspaper to protect it.
- Decorate the area around the model with sand and add a miniature Nile river or other typically Egyptian elements to the landscape.
