Chapter 1 Project: The Art of Origami

Beginning the Chapter Project

Some people look at a plain sheet of paper and see the hidden form of a swan or a seashell waiting to be revealed. Almost magically, with a few meticulous folds, an origami artist can produce replicas of animals, flowers, buildings, vehicles, and even people. The ancient art of paper folding comes from Japan, where it has thrived since at least the twelfth century. Every time you made a paper airplane or a paper hat as a child, you were practicing the art of origami.

In this chapter project, you will use paper folding to explore geometric patterns. You will make origami models and then use the language of geometry to tell others how to make them.

List of Materials:

* Paper, poster

* Scissors

* Ruler

* Computer with internet access

Activities

Activity 1: Paper Folding

Most origami creations are made by folding a square piece of paper. You can create patterns while you practice paper folding.

• Carefully fold a square piece of paper four times as shown.

• Unfold the paper after each fold. Count the number of non-overlapping triangles formed. Record your results in a table like the one below.

Fold / 1st / 2nd / 3rd / 4th
Number of triangles / 2

• Make a fifth fold. How many triangles are formed? How many triangles do you think will be formed after a sixth fold? Extend the table, and describe the number pattern.

• Keep this origami creation for use in other project activities.

Activity 2: Creating

Some artists create origami by experimenting. They fold and unfold a piece of paper until they see a resemblance to something in the real world. Take your folded square from the previous activity. Use the existing creases to construct the dog and the flower shown.

Now create your own origami figure, starting with a fresh square of paper.

Activity 3: Writing

To communicate the origami model that you designed, you can use the language of geometry. Use geometric terms and symbols along with sketches to write directions for the origami figure you created in Activity 2. Test your directions by having a classmate use them to construct your model.

Activity 4: Researching

Research and write a report on history of origami, different types of origami, math terms and symbols used in origami. Use paper folding to illustrate some of the geometric terms, such as midpoint, angle bisector, perpendicular bisector, etc.

Research directions for at least one of each of the following types of origami models: traditional origami like the paper crane (For example, go to http://www.origami-resource-center.com/paper-crane.html), kirigami (http://www.origami-resource-center.com/kirigami-for-kids.html, modular (3D) origami (example: http://www.origami-resource-center.com/golden-venture-folding-ring.html). Follow the directions to make the models.

Activity 5: Displaying Project

Prepare a “Geometry in Origami” display. Include the models that you made and instructions for making them. Consider adding more origami creations and creating a scene of origami models with a theme.

Activitiy 6: Reflecting and Revising

Ask at least one other person (not your partner) to review your display with you and your partner. Together, check that your models are well constructed and that your directions are clear and correct. Have you used geometric terms correctly? Is the display attractive as well as informative? Include this person’s comments and feedback in your report.

Chapter Project Checklist

Have you done all of the following?

* Kept detailed notes of your sources, where you found your information

* Made folds carefully and measured area by counting triangles

* Used your imagination since origami does not need to be an exact replica

* Looked for geometric terms and symbols that could help you communicate

* Considered books, art and craft stores, or the Internet for information

* Checked your work and reviewed it with a friend

What to turn in:

·  Submit to turnitin.com a written report of all activities 1-6. Bring a copy of the report on the due date. Keep a copy for yourself to prepare for your presentation.

• “Geometry in Origami” display

Helpful websites for your project:

• Origami symbols: http://peterbudai.tripod.com/Origami/Symbols_en.htm

• Explanation of basic folds: http://peterbudai.tripod.com/Origami/Folds_en.htm

• Origami Basics: http://www.fishgoth.com/origami/basics1.html

• Origami Resource Center: http://www.origami-resource-center.com/

• Folding instructions (different types of basic folds): http://origami.lovetoknow.com/Slideshow:Origami_Folding_Instructions

•Joseph Wu’s Origami Gallery and links: http://www.origami.as/home.html

•Types of origami: http://www.origami-resource-center.com/types-of-origami.html

•Origami Fun: http://www.origami-fun.com/index.html.

• You can also search for many instructional videos on the internet on how to do origami. This link is from the Origami Resource Center: http://www.origami-resource-center.com/videos.html