Christmas cracker jokes

Use a net to make a booklet, adding funny cracker jokes and designs to the pages where needed in this festive activity for kids.

This activity could be a main lesson to teach learners how to use nets to make useable objects. It could also be used as one of several activities within a wider scheme of learning focusing on understanding the use of nets in maths.

The testing of the jokes could be linked with learning in English, as they involve writing and oral expression of the cracker jokes.

This is one of a series of free STEM resources designed to allow learners to use Christmas themes to support the teaching of the primary National Curriculum. They are designed to support the delivery of key topics within maths and design and technology. This resource focuses on the use of a net to make a small booklet of funny cracker jokes, and these could be used as an alternative to the corny jokes often found in Christmas crackers!

Nets are important as they allow 3D objects to be made when folded.

Making the booklet:

Step 1 – Download the That’s a Cracker activity sheet. Identify the solid and dotted cutting lines.
Step 2 – Add the Christmas jokes.
Step 3 – ⚠ Safely cut out the booklet net using scissors.
Steps 4a and 4b – Fold the booklet as directed.
Step 5 – Now test out the jokes on friends!
As an optional extension activity, students could create and add their own designs and jokes to the booklet pages.

How long will this activity take?
This activity will take approximately 40-60 minutes to complete.

The engineering context
Engineers must regularly use mathematics knowledge and skills as part of their everyday job. They use nets to make scale models of buildings and other structures, as well as packaging for other products.

Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this activity, students will know that graphics products can be made from nets, they will be able to add text to a graphic product, and they will be able to make a booklet from a net.

Download all the Christmas cracker jokes activity sheets for free!

All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.

The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Oh ho ho, and please do share your classroom highlights with us @IETeducation! #SantaLovesSTEM.