How to Build a Model Pyramid

Create the patterns for the base and sides of the pyramid using construction paper. It's easiest to make an equilateral pyramid, meaning the sides of the structure are all the same size.

• Fabricate the base. Pyramids have 4 sides, so you will need a square base. Pick a size, say 6 inches (15.2 cm) by 6 inches (15.2 cm). Measure the dimensions with a ruler and draw an outline for the base on your construction paper.
• Measure an additional 1/2 inch out from all sides of the base and draw the outlines. These extensions on each side of the base will provide flaps that you will use to secure the base of the pyramid to its sides. Fold the flaps so they extend upward from the base.
• 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 structure. In this model, they should be 6 inches. Also measure and draw in flaps on the right side of each triangle, just as you did for each side of the base.

Cut the patterns for the base and sides, including the flaps. Use a straight edge to make a precise fold along each flap.

Paint the exposed sides of the pyramid with a sandy color. While the paint is still wet, cut horizontal and vertical lines at regular intervals with the edge of a piece of paper. This will give the effect of individual stones in your pyramid project.

Glue the pyramid together.

• Apply glue to the outside edge of one of the flaps on the base and press a triangle onto it. Repeat with the other 3 sides.
• Dab glue on one of the triangle flaps and join it to the section to the right. Gently force the 2 sections inward so their apexes meet. Continue with the next connection, again making sure the tops of the triangles form the summit of the pyramid. When connecting the third and fourth sides of the structure, put glue on both of the remaining flaps. Join the 2 sections on the left first and then pinch the last junction together.
• Make sure the tips of the 4 triangles meet, forming the pyramid summit. Dab a bit of glue at the top. Then gently place a thin wire ring on the pyramid. It should be narrow enough to rest about three-quarters of the way up the pyramid. This will help hold the tips together while the glue dries.

Finished.

Find your materials. You'll need sugar cubes (at least 100, more if you want to make it bigger/taller), a flat piece of cardboard (~1'x1', larger if your pyramid will be bigger), rubber cement, and optionally sand and lots of baking soda (and an extra piece of cardboard, any size).

Glue down your base layer. Glue a base layer of sugar cubes with the rubber cement, such that they form a large square (for example, 6 cubes by 6 cubes).

• Start off with a bigger base, if you want to make a bigger pyramid.

Continue to the next layer. Brush a little rubber cement over the top of the first layer and then form another square of cubes on top. This layer should be one cube smaller than the layer below (for example, 5 cubes by 5 cubes).

Repeat until you cap the pyramid with a single cube. Make sure that it is properly centered each time.

Fill in the pyramid, if you want to. You can fill out the pyramid to make it look as it would have when it was new, if you want to. Do this by making a relatively dry baking soda paste (mix baking soda and water). Spread the paste onto the pyramid and smooth the four sides using the edge of the extra piece of cardboard.

• Mix in the water a very small amount at a time until a sand-like mixtures is formed and the baking soda holds its shape when you form it.
• The smooth, white sides like this is how the pyramids would have originally appeared. While they are just stone blocks now, they used to have a smooth layer of white limestone over the top, so that they would sparkle in the sun!

Paint the pyramid. If you want to make your pyramid look like it does in real life today, get a can of tan spray paint and spray the pyramid before continuing. Be careful to use only the minimum amount of paint and to do your painting outside, with everything underneath and around it covered in newspaper.

Place sand around the pyramid. Next, you will want to cover the cardboard in rubber cement or preferably Elmer's glue and then (while it is still wet) cover the glue in sand or brown sugar.

Let everything dry. Let the sand and glue mixture dry but also allow the baking soda paste to dry, if you wanted to add it. Be careful with the baking soda paste, as it will crumble away easily.

Enjoy your pyramid! You can add some toy palm trees or make a Nile River from cut-out construction paper to really make your project shine.