1. Fold a piece of paper (12" X 18") or other size, in half hamburger style (short way). Open and then fold in half hotdog style (long way). Do not use the top section of the paper. This will be folded down to cover the back of the pop-up page later.

2. Cutting a series of lines that get shorter each time you cut makes this form. Start at the bottom of the page and cut your first line. Stop when you get to the center of the paper or your pyramid will stick out. Cut the next line a little shorter and the next one a little shorter until you make the pyramid form as big as you want. Remember you cannot go beyond the dotted line into the top section.

3. Take each piece and fold straight back on the dotted lines (see example on right). Fold the pieces back and forth from the front to the back on the same line. This makes a good crease and I tell my students to make it "loosey-goosey". Then put the pieces back flat.

4. Open the paper. Fold the top section down to cover the back of the pop-up page. The paper will magically talk to you and tell you which way it wants to fold down. Put a thumb at the top and a thumb at the bottom of the page. Then fold the page closed and press. You may need to help the form pop out but it should pop out automatically. Sometimes the smaller pieces at the top of the pyramid get stuck.

If you were making a tornado you would simply cut the lines in reverse. Start by cutting a short line at the bottom of the paper, and then each line you cut would get longer and longer. This is how the pyramid form should look when it pops out. Use a variety of media to add color to the pop-up page. I usually have the students draw with black markers and then color the pages in with crayons/colored pencils. The page can be turned different directions to make a variety of things. Turn the form on its side to create buildings in perspective.