Flat pack resource box
Paper Structures
Christmas in a Box
Are Santa's elves engineers? How do they make, pack and deliver so many gifts every Christmas?
One clever solution is to design products that can be transported flat and assembled later. In this festive engineering challenge, discover how designers and engineers use flat materials to create exciting 3D structures, from reindeer and sledges to other seasonal creations.
Lesson plansLink opens in a new window
Step-by-step plan for teachers
PresentationLink opens in a new window
Introduction to paper engineering to inspire your class
This video will show you how to create objects in 3 dimensions from 2 dimensional materials. There are 3 different ways to make a flat material into a 3D shape. You could use:
- Slots
- Folds, or
- Bends.
Watch this video to find out how!
To support our Christmas Boxes, please let us know what you thought of these resources. Your feedback is very valuable in helping us improve our activities and secure the funding to design and print them each year.
Paper LanternLink opens in a new window |
New this year! 
Assembled version |
Preview image of the template 
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Snowflake 1Link opens in a new windowSnowflake 2Link opens in a new windowSnowflake 3Link opens in a new windowTemplate as a PDF file ready to print Are you here for the snowflakes from the Global Science Show? |
Cut out version |
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StarLink opens in a new windowTemplate as a PDF file ready to print |
Assembled version |
Preview image of the template |
SleighLink opens in a new windowTemplate as a PDF file ready to print |
Assembled version |
Preview image of the template |
SquirrelLink opens in a new windowTemplate as a PDF file ready to print |
Assembled version |
Preview image of the template |
StagLink opens in a new windowTemplate as a PDF file ready to print |
Assembled version |
Preview image of the template |
BaubleLink opens in a new windowTemplate as a PDF file ready to print |
Assembled version |
Preview image of the template |
Gingerbread PeopleLink opens in a new windowTemplate as a PDF file ready to print |
Assembled version |
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DogLink opens in a new windowTemplate as a PDF file ready to print |
Assembled version |
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Hillman Imp CarPage 1 Link opens in a new windowand Page 2Link opens in a new window Template as a PDF file ready to print |
Assembled version |
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StandLink opens in a new windowTemplate as a PDF file ready to print |
New to this year! We will get a photo of the assembled version as soon as possible. |
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Video - Showing the laser cutter cutting the treeLink opens in a new window
Video - How to assemble the flatpack christmas treeLink opens in a new window
Video - How to make the paper lanternsLink opens in a new window
You can also download the files used to laser cut some of the items featured in these products by clicking here. Please note that the bookshelf item also used 3D printed bracket components.