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How to Build a Sphere out of LEGOs

Most people only think of LEGO pieces as toys, but they can also be used as valuable learning aids. By taking the time to build shapes with LEGO, children can gain a better understanding of shapes, making them more likely to remember what those shapes are. Using common LEGO pieces such as plates and angle brackets, you can build a sphere-like shape. Once it's built, the kids can use it as a ball to roll around -- or you can even hang it as a disco ball for your next dance.

Things You'll Need

108 LEGO plates with studs
12 LEGO angle brackets

Instructions

- 1
  Create a square base layer with LEGO plates. The base layer will measure 6 studs by 6 studs, except for the middle. The dimensions for the middle will be 8 studs long by 2 studs wide. The extra two studs in length will provide a 2-stud by 1-stud ledge on both sides.
- 2
  Stack the second layer on top of the first, leaving the four corner studs exposed.
- 3
  Stack the third layer on top of the second, leaving the two outside studs exposed on each of the four corners.
- 4
  Stack the fourth layer on top of the third, leaving the four 2-by-1 studs on each side exposed.
- 5
  Stack a square 2-by-2 plate on the top, leaving an outside single-stud edge exposed.
- 6
  Repeat steps 1 through 5, five times.
- 7
  Attach angle brackets to both ends of the 8-by-2 middle strip of the base layer. Repeat this for each of the five sides.
- 8
  Detach the angle brackets and attach the six pieces to each other, using the free ends of the angle brackets.

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