The Cuboctahedron

Possible Solution

1. There are 6 squares and 8 equilateral triangles.

2. Possible answer: Glue together triangles with the same letter in each pattern.

3. Stiff paper that holds a crease easily works well. The patterns are easier to manipulate if they are not too small. Student might suggest a length of 2 inches for the sides of the squares and the equilateral triangles.

Solution

The pattern is made up of squares and equilateral triangles. You will need a protractor or a compass to draw the 90° and 60° angles in the pattern.

Make two copies of the pattern. In each copy, cut along the two line segments joining the triangles marked O. Crease all other line segments.

Overlap triangles with the same letter in each pattern (triangles O and D) and glue down. Tape may be used instead of glue.

Glue triangles A, B, and C of each pattern to triangles D, E, and F of the other pattern.