Origami in Mathematics
A list of resources exploring the role origami can play in the teaching and learning of mathematics and the role mathematics has played in the progress of the art of origami.
Numberphile: Euclid's Big Problem
Trisecting angles and calculating cube roots was a big problem for Euclid and his cohorts. Discussed by Zsuzsanna Dancso at MSRI.
Numberphile: How to Trisect an Angle with origami
Zsuzsanna Dancso trisects an angle using origami.
Robert Lang: the Maths and Magic of Origami
In this video Robert Lang explores the links between mathematics and origami. Beginning by exploring the origins of origami and how it is perceived today, Robert explains how origami has developed through the application of mathematics and four simple laws.
It is shown that the mathematical problem of 'disc-packing' is fundamental to the development of origami, not just as an art form but with applications in the space industry to send telescopes into space, in medicine in the design of a heart stent and in the automotive industry in the design of airbags.
3D Awareness
This video shows how students attempt to improve their 3D awareness by visiting local buildings, making paper shapes and exploring the algebra of origami. Students identify how shapes which tessellate have been used and suggest reasons why this could reduce costs of construction. Practical activities are used regularly to support learning and demonstrate the application of mathematical principles.
Paper Magic: Folding Polygons
This resource contains step by step illustrated instructions of how to fold a variety of polygons, using A-size paper.
The polygons featured include a square, an equilateral triangle, an isosceles triangle, kites, rhombi, a regular pentagon, a regular hexagon and a regular octagon. There are also investigations on polygon properties and suggestions for further activities. The resource also includes a full colour wall poster showing window, nesting and stacking patterns using the folded polygons.
All that is needed is a plentiful supply of coloured A4 paper. No glue, compasses or protractors are required to produce the polygons
Curved Fold
This resource provides students with the opportunity to explore the formation of a parabola through a paper folding activity. Students follow a set of simple instructions which describe how to fold a piece of A4 paper and are asked to describe what shape is produced. The activity is complemented by two Geogebra files which model the paper folding activity and help explain the properties of a parabola. Students are asked to investigate real-life uses of parabolas.
Mathematical reasoning: activities for developing thinking skills
The activity Origami Boxes, on page 31 of the pdf, is an activity designed for students to know and use the formula for the volume of a cuboid and to calculate volumes and surface areas of cuboids. Students are given step by step instructions on how to fold an open box from a piece of paper and are asked to find teh dimensions of teh box, the volume of the box and the largest volume that can be made from a piece of A4 paper.
Shape Activity in the Classroom - Books 1 to 7
The activity Limping seagulls shows an origami construction that can be used as a basic building block to make mathematical solids. Instructions are given on how to make a cube, a cuboid, stellated octahedron, The. icosohedron with pyramids on each face and interlocking cubes..
