Saturday, September 30, 2017

How to Build a Pyramid for School

Do you have an assignment to make a model of an Egyptian pyramid? It's a fun school project that can be approached in a variety of ways. Though there are lots of methods out there, you can easily make a realistic-looking pyramid out of cardboard, sugar cubes, or clay.

EditSteps

EditUsing Cardboard

  1. Gather your supplies. This cardboard pyramid looks like a realistic flat-sided pyramid, but it's lightweight and doesn't take very long to put together. You probably have most of the supplies on hand already. For this project you will need:[1]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    • A large flattened cardboard box or piece of cardboard
    • Ruler
    • Pencil
    • Scissors
    • Hot glue gun and sticks
    • Brown or black permanent marker
    • White school glue
    • Paint brush
    • Sand
  2. Cut out a cardboard square. Cut out a square of cardboard that is 14 inches (35.5 cm) by 14 inches (35.5 cm). This square will be the base of the pyramid.[2]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    • You can make the base in any size you need, but keep in mind that the rest of the measurements will need to be altered if you change the size of the base.
  3. Cut out four cardboard triangles. Use your ruler and pencil to draw four triangles with 8-inch (20.3 cm) bases that are 12 inches (30.5 cm) tall.[3]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    • Place a dot 12 inches (30.5 cm) from the center point (which is at 4 inches or 10.2 cm) of the bottom line to create a perfect triangle.
    • You can use a craft knife instead of scissors if the cardboard is stiff and difficult to cut.
  4. Hot-glue the triangles together. Lean the triangles in so that their points meet and create a pyramid shape. You can temporarily tape them together or have a friend or family member help you if it’s tricky to get all four pieces to stay together. Then, seal the edges together with a line of hot glue.[4]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    • Be very careful when using hot glue, as it can burn you. Keep your hands away from the nozzle and the glue. Make sure you have a safe surface to rest your hot glue gun on when you’re not using it as well.
  5. Hot-glue the pyramid to the square. Center the pyramid on top of the square. Put a line of hot glue along all four bottom edges of the pyramid and press it down in the middle of the square.[5]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 5 Version 2.jpg
  6. Let the glue dry completely. It’s important to allow the glue to dry completely before moving on to the next step. Wait a few hours before moving on to ensure your pyramid doesn’t fall apart.[6]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 6 Version 2.jpg
  7. Draw “bricks” on the pyramid. Use a brown or black permanent marker to draw horizontal and vertical lines on the pyramid that look like bricks. This will make your pyramid look more realistic.[7]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 7 Version 2.jpg
  8. Paint the pyramid with white school glue. Pour some white school glue into a dish and use a paintbrush to paint the entire cardboard pyramid with an even coating of glue. Don't forget to cover the edges, too, so you'll be able to hide the cracks with sand.[8]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 8 Version 2.jpg
    • Alternatively, you could rub a glue stick over the cardboard before adding the sand.
  9. Sprinkle on the sand. Before the glue dries, cover the pyramid with sand. Try to sprinkle on an even amount so that the entire pyramid is evenly coated in a layer of sand.[9]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 9 Version 2.jpg
  10. Let the pyramid dry. Allow the pyramid to dry overnight, rather than finishing this project the day that it’s due. This way the glue and sand will be firmly stuck on and your finished product will look great.[10]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 10 Version 2.jpg

EditUsing Clay

  1. Collect your materials. Making a clay pyramid allows you to get creative by making realistic indents and grooves in the walls to resemble an ancient Egyptian pyramid. You'll need the following materials for this method:[11]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 11 Version 2.jpg
    • A large ball of modeling clay (the kind that air dries)
    • A piece of cardboard
    • Rolling pin
    • Knife
    • Ruler
    • Pencil
    • Scissors
    • Paint (sandy brown color)
    • Paintbrush
  2. Cut out the cardboard base. Use the ruler and pencil to draw a square on your piece of cardboard. An 8-inch by 8-inch (20.3 cm by 20.3 cm) base is a good size, or you could make a larger base if you have plenty of clay. Cut out the square when you're finished.[12]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 12 Version 2.jpg
  3. Roll out the clay. Knead the clay into a ball, the place it on a clean, dry surface. Use the rolling pin to roll out the clay to a thickness of 1 inch (2.5 cm).[13]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 13 Version 2.jpg
  4. Cut a square out of the clay. Cut a 6-inch by 6-inch (15.2 cm by 15.2 cm) square out of the clay. Center it on top of the cardboard base.[14]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 14 Version 2.jpg
  5. Cut additional squares out of the clay. The next layer should be 5 inches by 5 inches (12.7 cm by 12.7 cm), followed by 4 inches by 4 inches (10.2 cm by 10.2 cm), 3 inches by 3 inches (7.6 cm by 7.6 cm), 2 inches by 2 inches (5.1 cm by 5.1 cm), and finally 1 inch by 1 inch (2.5 cm by 2.5 cm). Stack each layer in the center of the previous layer.[15]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 15 Version 2.jpg
  6. Bevel the edges and create ridges. Press your ruler against the sides of the squares to slant them slightly downward. You can also create ridges by using the knife to make markings that look like stone shapes in the sides of the pyramid.[16]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 16 Version 2.jpg
  7. Let the clay dry. Leave it alone for several hours, or even overnight, to give the pyramid time to dry and harden. Refer to the instructions on the clay packaging if you’re unsure how long it takes to dry completely.[17]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 17 Version 2.jpg
  8. Paint the pyramid. Pour the paint into a dish and use the paintbrush to spread an even coating on the pyramid. Alternatively, cover the pyramid in a light coating of white school glue and sprinkle it with sand before the glue dries.[18]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 18 Version 2.jpg
  9. Allow your project to dry. Let your finished pyramid to dry overnight. Then, take it to school and show off your hard work.[19]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 19 Version 2.jpg

EditUsing Sugar Cubes

  1. Assemble your supplies. This simple pyramid looks like a step-sided pyramid, with individual "stones" visible instead of flat sides. It requires just a few household supplies, including:[20]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 20 Version 2.jpg
    • A large box of sugar cubes (around 400 cubes)
    • A piece of cardboard
    • A ruler
    • A pencil
    • Scissors
    • White school glue
    • Paint (sandy brown color)
    • Paintbrush
  2. Cut a cardboard square. Use your ruler and pencil to draw a 12-inch by 12-inch (30.5 cm by 30.5 cm) square. Cut out the square and use it as the base for your pyramid.[21]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 21 Version 2.jpg
  3. Make a sugar cube square. Create a 10 by 10 square base of sugar cubes in the center of the cardboard square (using 100 sugar cubes total). Glue down each sugar cube using white school glue.[22]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 22 Version 2.jpg
  4. Add the second layer to the pyramid. Position a 9 by 9 square of sugar cubes in the center of the first layer (using 81 cubes). Glue down each sugar cube.[23]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 23 Version 2.jpg
  5. Continue adding layers. Each layer should be 1 cube smaller than the previous layer, so the next layer is 8 by 8 (64 cubes), then 7 by 7 (49 cubes), 6 by 6 (36 cubes), 5 by 5 (25 cubes), 4 by 4 (16 cubes), 3 by 3 (9 cubes), 2 by 2 (4 cubes), and finally a single sugar cube on top.[24]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 24 Version 2.jpg
  6. Let the glue completely dry. Allow the glue to dry for several hours to ensure all the sugar cubes are firmly in place.[25]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 25 Version 2.jpg
  7. Paint the pyramid. Use a paintbrush to paint the entire pyramid a sandy brown color. Use only a small amount of paint, and be careful not to damage the pyramid as you go.[26]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 26 Version 2.jpg
  8. Let the pyramid dry. Allow the pyramid to dry completely overnight. You can then proudly present it at school.[27]
    Build a Pyramid for School Step 27 Version 2.jpg

EditTips

  • Working with glue is messy so lay newspapers down before you start.
  • Decorate the area around the base of the pyramid with sand, a faux Nile River, and other Egyptian elements.

EditSources and Citations


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