Building a pyramid model can be a fun, simple project. You can make a replica of the pyramid out of construction paper and add an artistic touch to give it a real feel. If you want to learn how to build a model pyramid, follow this guide.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Paper Method (Quick)
Step 1. Make a pattern for the base and sides of the pyramid using construction paper
The easiest is to make an equilateral pyramid, which means the sides of the pyramid are the same size.
- Make the base. The pyramid has 4 sides, so you will need a square base. Choose a size, for example 15 cm by 15 cm. Measure with a ruler and draw the outline for the base of the pyramid on construction paper.
- Measure an additional 1 cm over all sides of the base of the pyramid and draw a line. The additions on each side of the base of this pyramid will be the edges that will be used to attach the base of the pyramid to the sides. Fold the edges so they point up from the base of the pyramid.
- Measure and cut the 4 triangular sides of the paper pyramid. Make the base and sides of each triangle the same width as the base of the pyramid. In this model, it should be 15 cm. Also measure and draw the edges on the right side of each triangle, as you would each side of the base of the pyramid.
Step 2. Cut the pattern for the base and sides, including the edges
Use a straight ruler to make neat creases along each edge.
Step 3. Paint the outside of the pyramid a sand-like color
While the paint is still wet, draw horizontal and vertical lines at regular intervals using the edge of a sheet of paper. This will give the effect of individual stones to your pyramid project.
Step 4. Glue the pyramids together
- Apply glue to the outer edge of one of the edges on the base and press a triangle over it. Repeat with the other 3 sides.
- Apply glue to one of the edges of the triangle and attach it to the right. Gently press the two halves inward so the tops stick together. Continue with the next joint, making sure that the top of the triangle forms the top of the pyramid. When gluing the third and fourth sides, apply glue on the two remaining edges. Glue the 2 halves on the left first and then clamp the last joint together.
- Make sure that the ends of the four triangles stick together, forming the apex of the pyramid. Apply a small amount of glue on top, then place a thin ring of wire on the pyramid. The ring should be small enough to fit in a position about three-quarters of the height of the pyramid. This will help hold the ends together while the glue dries.
Step 5. Done
Method 2 of 2: Sugar Dice Method (Realistic)
Step 1. Get the ingredients
You will need cubed sugar (at least 100 pieces, more if you want to make it bigger/tall), a piece of flat cardboard (approximately 30 x 30 cm, larger if your pyramid is bigger), rubber cement, and sand if you want. will, as well as a generous amount of baking soda (and an extra piece of cardboard, any size).
Step 2. Glue the base layer
Glue the base layer of diced sugar with rubber cement, so that it forms a large square (for example, 6 cubes by 6 cubes).
Make the base bigger, if you want to make the pyramid bigger
Step 3. Proceed to the next layer
Apply a small amount of gum to the top of the first layer and then arrange the cubes of sugar again on top. This layer must be 1 cube smaller than the layer below it (for example, 5 cubes by 5 cubes).
Step 4. Repeat until you have covered the pyramid with only one cube
Make sure that the layers of the cube lie exactly in the center of each layer.
Step 5. Fill in the pyramid, if you wish
You can fill the pyramid to make it look brand new, if you want. Do this by making a slightly dry baking soda paste (mix baking soda with water). Spread the paste over the pyramid and smooth all four sides with the extra cardboard cut edges.
- Slowly mix in the water until a gritty mixture forms and the baking soda holds its shape when you shape it.
- A smooth white side like this is what the pyramid looks like at first. Although today the pyramids are just blocks of stone, there used to be a layer of fine limestone on top, so they sparkle in the sun!
Step 6. Paint the pyramid
If you want to make the pyramids look like real life, get a can of dark brown spray paint and spray the pyramids before proceeding. Use as little paint as possible and paint outdoors, making sure everything under and around it is covered with newspaper.
Step 7. Place the sand around the pyramid
Next, you'll need to cover the cardboard with rubber cement or preferably Elmer's glue, then (while it's still wet) cover the glue with sand or brown sugar.
Step 8. Let everything dry
Let the sand and glue mixture dry and also let the baking soda paste dry, if you added it. Be careful with the baking soda paste, as it will splatter easily.
Step 9. Enjoy your pyramid
You can add some toy coconut trees or the Nile made of scrap construction paper to make your project truly brilliant.
Tips
- Consider a paper-only construction for a pyramid-style wall. This will reduce the amount of gluing that has to be done and can result in a more uniform construction in your pyramid project. Draw a triangle. Use the right edge of the first triangle as the left edge of the second triangle. Then draw the base and right edge of the second triangle. This right edge will be the left edge of the third side. Repeat the process with the fourth triangle. Cut along the outlines of the four connected shapes. Make neat creases in the lines between the triangles. To connect the first side to the last side, apply glue to several small pieces of paper and use them to join the pieces together.
- You can make your paper pyramid look more realistic by changing its design a bit. Cut thin sheets of cardboard in the same pattern as the base and sides of the pyramid. Apply glue to the side of the paper that will be facing in. This will strengthen the pyramid structurally. Apply a thin layer of glue to one side of the pyramid. With the glue still wet, sprinkle some sand on top. Repeat on the other three sides and allow the mixture to dry.
