A cube net is an unfolded cube made of six squares.
Not every figure made of six squares can be folded into a cube.
Here's how:
1. Check whether the figure has exactly six squares.
2. Fold the figure together in your mind.
3. If two faces overlap or one side stays open, it is not a cube net.
Box net: This box has two small faces and four long faces. The long faces lie side by side as a band, the small ones belong at the two ends of the band, one at the top and one at the bottom.
The checked box shows the solution.
Examples
Example: Recognizing Cube Nets
Example: Recognizing Box Nets
For parents
What does this exercise practice?
Train spatial reasoning and distinguish cube nets from other six-square figures.
Common pitfalls
Figures with a 2x2 block often look foldable, but never are: when folded, two faces overlap. When in doubt, cut a net out of paper and fold it.
How to practice at home
Draw a cube net on paper, cut it out and fold it into a cube. Then try an incorrect figure and see where it fails.
Related: Corners, edges and faces, Faces of solids, Calculating With Blocks