What is the Polydron Frameworks Archimedean Solids Standard Set?

The Polydron Frameworks Archimedean Solids Standard Set (code 10-5000FS) is a 160-piece construction kit from Polydron for building and exploring the 13 Archimedean Solids. It is suitable for ages 6 and over. The set contains 80 equilateral triangles, 30 squares, 12 pentagons, 20 hexagons, 6 octagons and 12 decagons, plus Teacher's Notes and Work Cards.

What can children learn from building Archimedean Solids?

Archimedean solids have been known to mathematicians for over 2,000 years. Each one is made from two or more types of regular polygon, which is why the set includes 6 different shapes. Polydron includes a tutorial designed to support teachers and build interest in these solids. Polydron says the kit encourages exploration, visualisation and an appreciation of how solid geometry contributes to architecture, science and engineering.

For schools

• Supports work on 3D shape, polyhedra, faces, edges and vertices at upper KS2 and KS3.
• Teacher's Notes and Work Cards give structured activities and learning objectives.
• Concrete models help pupils move to diagrams and calculations, in line with Quality First Teaching.
• Dishwasher safe at 70°C, which suits shared classroom resources.
• Useful for maths clubs, small group work and SEND provision.

For parents and home use

• Gives confident young builders a real maths challenge at home.
• Building complex solids from 160 pieces develops patience and fine motor control.
• The Work Cards give parents a clear starting point.
• Open-ended building lets children invent their own shapes once they finish a solid.

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. Archimedean solids are hard to picture from a flat drawing, but a model can be held, turned and counted. Joining the pieces builds fine motor control, and working through one solid at a time breaks a complex idea into manageable steps.

The Polydron Frameworks Archimedean Solids Standard Set is available to order from The Dyslexia Shop, a UK specialist in resources for SEND and learning differences, for use in school or at home.

• Contents: 80 equilateral triangles, 30 squares, 12 pentagons, 20 hexagons, 6 octagons, 12 decagons, Teacher's Notes and Work Cards
• Total pieces: 160
• Builds: The 13 Archimedean Solids
• Packed dimensions (L x W x H): 43 x 31 x 7 cm
• Weight: 1.8 kg
• Age: 6 years and over
• Care: Dishwasher safe at 70°C
• Brand: Polydron (Polydron Frameworks range)
• Polydron product code: 10-5000FS
• Barcode (EAN-13): 5060164531685

• All 13 solids covered. Build and explore each of the 13 Archimedean Solids with one set.
• Six polygon shapes. Triangles, squares, pentagons, hexagons, octagons and decagons are all included.
• Teaching support included. Teacher's Notes and Work Cards help plan lessons and guide independent work.
• Easy to keep clean. Pieces are dishwasher safe at 70°C.
• Trusted UK supplier. Supplied by The Dyslexia Shop, a UK specialist in resources for SEND and learning differences.

What's in the Box

• 80 x equilateral triangles
• 30 x squares
• 12 x pentagons
• 20 x hexagons
• 6 x octagons
• 12 x decagons
• Teacher's Notes and Work Cards

Care and Cleaning

Dishwasher safe at 70°C.

Safety and Age Suitability

Suitable for ages 6 years and over.

Delivery and Returns

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

• What is the Polydron Frameworks Archimedean Solids Standard Set?
  It is a 160-piece Polydron construction kit for building and exploring the 13 Archimedean Solids. The set contains equilateral triangles, squares, pentagons, hexagons, octagons and decagons, plus Teacher's Notes and Work Cards. It helps learners understand complex 3D shapes by building them by hand rather than only seeing them in drawings.
• What are Archimedean solids?
  Archimedean solids are 13 polyhedra made from two or more types of regular polygon. They have been known to mathematicians for over 2,000 years. With the Polydron Archimedean Solids Standard Set, learners can build each solid and count its faces, edges and vertices, which makes these shapes much easier to understand than diagrams alone.
• What age is the Archimedean Solids Standard Set suitable for?
  Polydron states that the Archimedean Solids Standard Set is suitable for ages 6 and over. In practice, the 13 Archimedean solids are most often studied in upper primary and secondary maths. Younger children can still enjoy joining the shapes and making simpler models, while older pupils take on the full solids.
• How can teachers use this set in maths lessons?
  Teachers use the Archimedean Solids Standard Set to teach 3D shape, polyhedra and the properties of faces, edges and vertices. Polydron includes a tutorial designed to support teachers, along with Teacher's Notes and Work Cards. The pieces are dishwasher safe at 70°C, so the set is easy to keep clean between classes.
• Is this set a good maths challenge for home?
  Yes, the Archimedean Solids Standard Set gives keen young mathematicians a real challenge at home. Working through all 13 solids builds patience, problem solving and fine motor control. The Work Cards give parents a clear starting point, and children can move on to designing their own shapes once they finish a solid.
• 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. Complex solids are hard to picture from a flat drawing, but a model can be held, turned and counted. Building one solid at a time breaks a big idea into small steps, and adults can set the pace for each learner.
• What comes in the Archimedean Solids Standard Set box?
  The box contains 160 pieces plus Teacher's Notes and Work Cards. There are 80 equilateral triangles, 30 squares, 12 pentagons, 20 hexagons, 6 octagons and 12 decagons. According to Polydron, the boxed set measures 43 x 31 x 7 cm and weighs 1.8 kg.