- Definition
A net is a flat shape that you can cut out and fold up to make a 3D object, like a box or a pyramid.
This T-shape made of six squares is a net because it can be folded into a cube.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A net is like a flattened-out box for a new pair of sneakers that you can fold back into its 3D shape.
Ask your child: If we could unfold a dice, what would its flat shape look like?
Common mix-up: Kids may think of a net for a sport like basketball or tennis. In math, a net is a flat shape that folds into a 3D object.
Examples
- A flat cross shape made of six squares that folds into a cube.
- The cardboard packaging for a box of tennis balls can be unfolded into its net.
net is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Grade 6 Mathematics
- Grade 7 Mathematics
- Grade 3 Health and Physical Education
- Grade 4 Health and Physical Education
- Grade 5 Health and Physical Education
- Grade 6 Health and Physical Education
+6 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
