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Paper model: stellated dodecahedron

Star dodecahedronA dodecahedron with a point on each face: twelve points.cutfoldgluefold the other way: forwards (between two points)

For parents

How to make it

about 90 minuteschallenging160 gsm paper

  1. Colour the faces: all the triangles of one point get the same colour. Cut out the net very carefully along the solid lines; leave the grey tabs attached.
  2. Score all the fold lines first with a ruler and an empty ballpoint pen. Fold the ordinary dotted lines backwards so the colour stays outside. Fold the dash-dot lines forwards instead: there's a dip between two points there.
  3. The star has twelve points made of five long triangles each. Points directly opposite each other get the same colour.
  4. Work point by point: fold the five triangles of a point towards each other and glue the tab before you start the next one.
  5. Glue the tabs one by one to the inside of the face next to them. The last points are tricky: press them from the outside with a pencil or tweezers and let the glue dry.

Print on thick paper (160 gsm) and at actual size: the faces are small.

What you need

  • Colouring pencilsFor fine areas and small hands
  • Children's scissorsWith a rounded tip; don't let young children cut on their own
  • Glue stickSticks paper without the mess
  • Thick paper (160 gsm) · optionalFor paper models and cards that need to stand up
Paper model: stellated dodecahedron · Kleurhoek