What is the Original Polydron Basic Set?

The Original Polydron Basic Set (code 10-3005) is a 164-piece shape construction kit from Polydron for children aged 4 and over. It contains 100 equilateral triangles, 40 squares and 24 pentagons, plus an Exploring Polydron activity booklet. The pieces snap together at the edges to form a strong hinge, so flat nets fold up into solid 3D shapes.

What can you build with the Polydron Basic Set?

With 164 pieces in four colours, children can make flat 2D tessellations, then fold them into cubes, pyramids, prisms and other polyhedra. Each square measures 7.3 x 7.3 cm, a size that small hands can grip and join. Polydron describes the set as a leading resource for teaching shape and space, 2D and 3D geometry, and design and technology. The pieces also connect with Crystal Polydron, Polydron Frameworks, Polydron Bridges and Polydron Engineer, so the set can grow over time.

For schools

• Supports the maths curriculum on 2D and 3D shape, nets, faces, edges and vertices across KS1 and KS2, with extension work at KS3.
• Gives pupils a concrete model to handle before moving to pictorial and abstract work, in line with Quality First Teaching.
• 164 pieces allow small groups to build and compare shapes at the same time.
• Dishwasher safe at 70°C, which helps keep shared classroom resources clean.
• Works well in SEND provision and intervention groups where hands-on resources are needed.

For parents and home use

• Lets children explore shape and pattern through open-ended building at home.
• Snapping the pieces together gives regular fine motor practice.
• The Exploring Polydron booklet offers ready-made ideas for parents to start with.
• Suitable from age 4, with enough challenge to keep older children building complex models.
• Seeing a flat net fold into a solid shape builds confidence with maths ideas.

Supporting learners with SEND and learning differences

Hands-on construction helps many learners with SEND and learning differences understand maths ideas that can feel abstract on paper. Children can touch, turn and count the faces of a shape rather than imagining them. The bright pieces give clear visual cues, and joining edges together builds fine motor control. Building, folding and unfolding a net makes the link between 2D and 3D shape concrete and repeatable.

The Original Polydron Basic Set is available to order from The Dyslexia Shop, a UK specialist in resources for SEND and learning differences, for use in the classroom or at home.

• Contents: 100 equilateral triangles, 40 squares, 24 pentagons and an Exploring Polydron activity booklet
• Total pieces: 164
• Square size: 7.3 x 7.3 cm
• Colours: Supplied in 4 colours
• Material: BPA free and 100% recyclable, in a recyclable carton
• Packed dimensions (L x W x H): 37 x 24 x 7 cm
• Weight: 1.86 kg
• Age: 4 years and over
• Compatibility: Crystal Polydron, Polydron Frameworks, Polydron Bridges and Polydron Engineer
• Care: Dishwasher safe at 70°C
• Brand: Polydron (Original Polydron range)
• Polydron product code: 10-3005
• Barcode (EAN-13): 5060164531142

• Folds from 2D to 3D. Strong hinged joints let children build a flat net and fold it into a solid shape.
• Room for a group. 164 pieces give several children enough triangles, squares and pentagons to build together.
• Easy to keep clean. Pieces are dishwasher safe at 70°C, which suits shared use in classrooms and nurseries.
• Expandable system. Connects with Crystal Polydron, Polydron Frameworks, Polydron Bridges and Polydron Engineer sets.
• Trusted UK supplier. Supplied by The Dyslexia Shop, a UK specialist in resources for SEND and learning differences.

What's in the Box

• 100 x equilateral triangles
• 40 x squares (7.3 x 7.3 cm)
• 24 x pentagons
• 1 x Exploring Polydron activity booklet

Compatibility

Compatible with Crystal Polydron, Polydron Frameworks, Polydron Bridges and Polydron Engineer.

Care and Cleaning

Dishwasher safe at 70°C.

Safety and Age Suitability

Suitable for ages 4 years and over.

Delivery and Returns

Standard UK delivery applies. See our Delivery and Returns page for full details.

• What is the Original Polydron Basic Set?
  The Original Polydron Basic Set is a 164-piece geometry construction kit made by Polydron. It contains 100 equilateral triangles, 40 squares and 24 pentagons that snap together with a hinged joint. Children use it to build flat 2D patterns and nets, then fold them into 3D shapes. An Exploring Polydron activity booklet is included in the box.
• What age is the Polydron Basic Set suitable for?
  The Polydron Basic Set is suitable for children aged 4 years and over. Younger children can enjoy joining shapes and making simple patterns, while older pupils can build nets and more complex polyhedra. Because the pieces are open-ended, the same set stays useful across primary school and can support extension work with older learners.
• How can teachers use the Polydron Basic Set in the classroom?
  Teachers use the Polydron Basic Set to teach 2D and 3D shape, nets, faces, edges and vertices. Pupils can build a net, fold it into a solid and count its properties. The 164 pieces support small group work, and the set is dishwasher safe at 70°C, so shared pieces are easy to keep clean between lessons.
• Is the Polydron Basic Set good for learning at home?
  Yes, the Polydron Basic Set works well for home learning and open-ended play. Children can follow ideas from the included Exploring Polydron booklet or invent their own models. Joining the pieces gives regular fine motor practice, and seeing a flat net fold into a solid shape helps children feel more confident with maths ideas.
• Is it suitable for children with SEND or learning differences?
  Yes, many children with SEND and learning differences benefit from hands-on resources like Polydron. Handling real shapes turns abstract geometry into something they can see, touch and count. The bright pieces give clear visual cues, and joining edges builds fine motor control. Adults can adjust tasks to suit each learner's pace and needs.
• What comes in the Polydron Basic Set box?
  The box contains 164 pieces and an activity booklet. There are 100 equilateral triangles, 40 squares measuring 7.3 x 7.3 cm and 24 pentagons, supplied in four colours, plus the Exploring Polydron booklet. The boxed set measures 37 x 24 x 7 cm and weighs 1.86 kg, according to Polydron.
• Is the Polydron Basic Set compatible with other Polydron sets?
  Yes, the Original Polydron Basic Set connects with Crystal Polydron, Polydron Frameworks, Polydron Bridges and Polydron Engineer. This means schools and families can add further sets later and combine the pieces in larger builds. Using compatible sets together lets children explore more shapes and design bigger models over time.
• How do you clean Polydron pieces?
  Polydron pieces from the Basic Set are dishwasher safe at 70°C. This makes it simple to clean a full set after shared use in a classroom, nursery or intervention room. Polydron also states that the pieces are BPA free and 100% recyclable, and the set is packed in a recyclable carton.