Maths hiding in making things: robot junk models
Spot cylinders, cuboids and cones in recycled materials.
Quick answer
Maths is all around us, even in the things we build! When you make robot junk models, you use shapes like cylinders, cuboids, and cones. These shapes help you build strong, interesting robots.
Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will be able to spot and name cylinders, cuboids, and cones in recycled materials and use them to build your own robot junk model.
- You can identify cylinders, cuboids, and cones in everyday objects
- You can describe how these shapes look and how they are used in building
- You can build a robot using these shapes from recycled materials
- You can explain why these shapes make good robot parts
Why this matters
When you build robots from junk, you're using maths to make them strong and interesting. The shapes you choose help your robot stand up, roll, or move. Understanding shapes helps you plan better and make robots that work well. This maths is used by engineers, designers, and builders all over the world!
How it works
First, you need to know what shapes you're looking for. Then you can spot them in junk and use them to build your robot.
- Look for shapes in your recycling
- Identify cylinders (like cans), cuboids (like boxes), and cones (like party hats)
- Plan how to use these shapes in your robot
- Build your robot using these shapes
- Explain why you chose each shape
Examples you can see
Let's look at some shapes you can find in your recycling:
| Shape | Real object | How it looks |
|---|---|---|
| Cylinder | Empty soup can, toilet paper roll | Round shape that stands up straight |
| Cuboid | Cardboard box, tissue box | Rectangular shape with flat sides |
| Cone | Party hat, ice cream cone | Pointy shape that gets smaller at the top |
Imagine you're building a robot with these shapes:
- Use a cylinder for the robot's body
- Use cuboids for arms and legs
- Use a cone for the robot's head
Try it as a mini adventure
Let's go on a robot-building adventure!
First, you need to find your recycling. Go on a hunt around your house and garden for:
- 1 cylinder (like a can or roll)
- 2 cuboids (like boxes or containers)
- 1 cone (like a party hat or ice cream cone)
4th time: ? shape did you find?
5th time: ? shape did you find?
6th time: ? shape did you find?
7th time: ? shape did you find?
8th time: ? shape did you find?
9th time: ? shape did you find?
10th time: ? shape did you find?
11th time: ? shape did you find?
12th time: ? shape did you find?
13th time: ? shape did you find?
14th time: ? shape did you find?
15th time: ? shape did you find?
16th time: ? shape did you find?
17th time: ? shape did you find?
18th time: ? shape did you find?
19th time: ? shape did you find?
20th time: ? shape did you find?
Now, you can build your robot! What will your robot look like?
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking a cube is the same as a cuboid
Why it happens: Both have flat sides, but a cube is the same size in all directions
Fix: A cube has 6 equal squares, while a cuboid has 6 rectangles that can be different sizes
- Mistake: Confusing a cone with a pyramid
Why it happens: Both pointy, but a cone has a round base
Fix: A cone has a round base and gets smaller to a point, a pyramid has a flat base and gets smaller to a point
- Mistake: Not using enough shapes
Why it happens: Children think they need to make one big shape
Fix: Robots can be made from many different shapes put together
Parent and carer guide
Help your child spot shapes in recycling by asking questions like:
- "What shape is this box?"
- "Can you find something that looks like a cylinder?"
- "How many sides does this shape have?"
Encourage them to build a robot and talk about why they chose each shape. You can also help them draw their robot and label the shapes.
Watch for:
- Confusion between similar shapes
- Difficulty identifying shapes in real objects
- Interest in building and creating
Remember: it's okay if they make mistakes. Learning shapes is about exploring and playing with them!
Practice questions
- Which shape has 6 flat sides that are rectangles?
Answer: Cuboid
- What shape looks like a can?
Answer: Cylinder
- Which shape has a point and a round base?
Answer: Cone
- How many flat sides does a cuboid have?
Answer: 6
- Which shape can roll easily?
Answer: Cylinder
- What shape is the base of a cone?
Answer: Circle
- How many faces does a cube have?
Answer: 6
- What shape is a party hat?
Answer: Cone
- Which shape is like a box?
Answer: Cuboid
- What shape has no corners?
Answer: Cylinder
FAQ
What shapes can I find in recycling?
You can find cylinders (like toilet paper rolls), cuboids (like shoe boxes), and cones (like party hats).
How do I know which shape to use for my robot?
Think about what your robot needs to do. Cylinders work well for bodies, cuboids for arms and legs, and cones for heads.
Can I use more than one shape?
Yes! Robots are made from many different shapes put together to make them strong and interesting.
Why are these shapes good for building?
Cylinders are strong and can roll. Cuboids are easy to stack and make good arms or legs. Cones are good for points or tops of things.
What if I don't have any recycling?
You can use kitchen containers, toy boxes, or even your own body to imagine shapes. You can also draw and cut out shapes to use for your robot.