How to Build a Pyramid for School

Do you have an assignment to make a model of an Egyptian pyramid? It's a fun school project that can be approached in a variety of ways. Though there are lots of methods out there, you can easily make a realistic-looking pyramid out of cardboard, sugar cubes, or clay.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Cardboard

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1
Gather your supplies. This cardboard pyramid looks like a realistic flat-sided pyramid, but it's lightweight and doesn't take very long to put together. You probably have most of the supplies on hand already. For this project you will need:^{[1]XResearch source}
- A large flattened cardboard box or piece of cardboard
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun and sticks
- Brown or black permanent marker
- White school glue
- Paint brush
- Sand
2
Cut out a cardboard square. Cut out a square of cardboard that is 14 inches (35.5 cm) by 14 inches (35.5 cm). This square will be the base of the pyramid.^{[2]XResearch source}
- You can make the base in any size you need, but keep in mind that the rest of the measurements will need to be altered if you change the size of the base.
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3
Cut out four cardboard triangles. Use your ruler and pencil to draw four triangles with 8-inch (20.3 cm) bases that are 12 inches (30.5 cm) tall.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Place a dot 12 inches (30.5 cm) from the center point (which is at 4 inches or 10.2 cm) of the bottom line to create a perfect triangle.
- You can use a craft knife instead of scissors if the cardboard is stiff and difficult to cut.
4
Hot-glue the triangles together. Lean the triangles in so that their points meet and create a pyramid shape. You can temporarily tape them together or have a friend or family member help you if it’s tricky to get all four pieces to stay together. Then, seal the edges together with a line of hot glue.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Be very careful when using hot glue, as it can burn you. Keep your hands away from the nozzle and the glue. Make sure you have a safe surface to rest your hot glue gun on when you’re not using it as well.
Center the pyramid on top of the square. Put a line of hot glue along all four bottom edges of the pyramid and press it down in the middle of the square.^{[5]XResearch source}
It’s important to allow the glue to dry completely before moving on to the next step. Wait a few hours before moving on to ensure your pyramid doesn’t fall apart.^{[6]XResearch source}
Use a brown or black permanent marker to draw horizontal and vertical lines on the pyramid that look like bricks. This will make your pyramid look more realistic.^{[7]XResearch source}
8
Paint the pyramid with white school glue. Pour some white school glue into a dish and use a paintbrush to paint the entire cardboard pyramid with an even coating of glue. Don't forget to cover the edges, too, so you'll be able to hide the cracks with sand.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Alternatively, you could rub a glue stick over the cardboard before adding the sand.
Before the glue dries, cover the pyramid with sand. Try to sprinkle on an even amount so that the entire pyramid is evenly coated in a layer of sand.^{[9]XResearch source}
Allow the pyramid to dry overnight, rather than finishing this project the day that it’s due. This way the glue and sand will be firmly stuck on and your finished product will look great.^{[10]XResearch source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Clay

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1
Collect your materials. Making a clay pyramid allows you to get creative by making realistic indents and grooves in the walls to resemble an ancient Egyptian pyramid. You'll need the following materials for this method:^{[11]XResearch source}
- A large ball of modeling clay (the kind that air dries)
- A piece of cardboard
- Rolling pin
- Knife
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Paint (sandy brown color)
- Paintbrush
Use the ruler and pencil to draw a square on your piece of cardboard. An 8-inch by 8-inch (20.3 cm by 20.3 cm) base is a good size, or you could make a larger base if you have plenty of clay. Cut out the square when you're finished.^{[12]XResearch source}
Knead the clay into a ball, the place it on a clean, dry surface. Use the rolling pin to roll out the clay to a thickness of 1 inch (2.5 cm).^{[13]XResearch source}
Cut a 6-inch by 6-inch (15.2 cm by 15.2 cm) square out of the clay. Center it on top of the cardboard base.^{[14]XResearch source}
The next layer should be 5 inches by 5 inches (12.7 cm by 12.7 cm), followed by 4 inches by 4 inches (10.2 cm by 10.2 cm), 3 inches by 3 inches (7.6 cm by 7.6 cm), 2 inches by 2 inches (5.1 cm by 5.1 cm), and finally 1 inch by 1 inch (2.5 cm by 2.5 cm). Stack each layer in the center of the previous layer.^{[15]XResearch source}
Press your ruler against the sides of the squares to slant them slightly downward. You can also create ridges by using the knife to make markings that look like stone shapes in the sides of the pyramid.^{[16]XResearch source}
Leave it alone for several hours, or even overnight, to give the pyramid time to dry and harden. Refer to the instructions on the clay packaging if you’re unsure how long it takes to dry completely.^{[17]XResearch source}
Pour the paint into a dish and use the paintbrush to spread an even coating on the pyramid. Alternatively, cover the pyramid in a light coating of white school glue and sprinkle it with sand before the glue dries.^{[18]XResearch source}
Let your finished pyramid to dry overnight. Then, take it to school and show off your hard work.^{[19]XResearch source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Sugar Cubes

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1
Assemble your supplies. This simple pyramid looks like a step-sided pyramid, with individual "stones" visible instead of flat sides. It requires just a few household supplies, including:^{[20]XResearch source}
- A large box of sugar cubes (around 400 cubes)
- A piece of cardboard
- A ruler
- A pencil
- Scissors
- White school glue
- Paint (sandy brown color)
- Paintbrush
Use your ruler and pencil to draw a 12-inch by 12-inch (30.5 cm by 30.5 cm) square. Cut out the square and use it as the base for your pyramid.^{[21]XResearch source}
Create a 10 by 10 square base of sugar cubes in the center of the cardboard square (using 100 sugar cubes total). Glue down each sugar cube using white school glue.^{[22]XResearch source}
Position a 9 by 9 square of sugar cubes in the center of the first layer (using 81 cubes). Glue down each sugar cube.^{[23]XResearch source}
Each layer should be 1 cube smaller than the previous layer, so the next layer is 8 by 8 (64 cubes), then 7 by 7 (49 cubes), 6 by 6 (36 cubes), 5 by 5 (25 cubes), 4 by 4 (16 cubes), 3 by 3 (9 cubes), 2 by 2 (4 cubes), and finally a single sugar cube on top.^{[24]XResearch source}
Allow the glue to dry for several hours to ensure all the sugar cubes are firmly in place.^{[25]XResearch source}
Use a paintbrush to paint the entire pyramid a sandy brown color. Use only a small amount of paint, and be careful not to damage the pyramid as you go.^{[26]XResearch source}
Allow the pyramid to dry completely overnight. You can then proudly present it at school.^{[27]XResearch source}

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Question
Where do you get the sugar cubes from?
Community Answer
Sugar cubes can be found at the grocery store or supermarket. Choose plain white ones or brown sugar cubes so you don't have to paint them.
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How long does the first method take?
Community Answer
One day, because you have to let it dry overnight.
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Where can I get a hot glue gun?
Community Answer
Hobby Lobby, Michael's, or Joann Fabrics! They should have it, or just go to Walmart or Target and look in the craft aisle.
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Working with glue is messy so lay newspapers down before you start.
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Decorate the area around the base of the pyramid with sand, a faux Nile River, and other Egyptian elements.
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Tips from our Readers

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If using clay, indent the top to resemble how the real pyramids look with some erosion. Do some research online for reference photos. This extra detail can really make your model stand out.
With the sugar cube method, use sharp scissors or a craft knife to trim the cubes into smaller shapes if desired. This allows you to create a smoother pyramid rather than stark steps.
Remember that air-drying clay takes much longer to fully harden than you may expect, often overnight. Plan ahead so you don't end up rushing on the day the project is due.
Wear an apron to protect your clothes from paint, glue, and other messy materials. Nothing ruins a school project faster than permanent stains on your outfit.
Put your creativity and effort into it! A pyramid you took time on and customized will really stand out from basic models. Be proud of what you make.
Have an adult help with any steps involving sharp tools like craft knives or hot glue guns. Their assistance can help you avoid injuries.

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