Mathematics Through Paper Folding

Paper folding not only simplifies the learning of mathematics it also builds an experiential base necessary for further learning. The exercises in this publication, appropriate at various grade levels, lead students to discover and demonstrate such mathematical relationships as reflections, transformations and symmetry.

While it is well known that the Delian problems are impossible to solve with a straightedge and compass – for example, it is impossible to construct a segment whose length is cube root of 2 with these instruments – the discovery of the Italian mathematician Margherita Beloch Piazzolla in 1934 that one can in fact construct a segment of length cube root of 2 with a single paper fold was completely ignored (till the end of the 1980s). This comes as no surprise, since with few exceptions paper folding was seldom considered as a mathematical practice, let alone as a mathematical procedure of inference or proof that could prompt novel mathematical discoveries. A few questions immediately arise: Why did paper folding become a non-instrument? What caused the marginalisation of this technique? And how was the mathematical knowledge, which was nevertheless transmitted and prompted by paper folding, later treated and conceptualised? Aiming to answer these questions, this volume provides, for the first time, an extensive historical study on the history of folding in mathematics, spanning from the 16th century to the 20th century, and offers a general study on the ways mathematical knowledge is marginalised, disappears, is ignored or becomes obsolete. In doing so, it makes a valuable contribution to the field of history and philosophy of science, particularly the history and philosophy of mathematics and is highly recommended for anyone interested in these topics.

Written by a world expert on the subject, Origametry is the first complete reference on the mathematics of origami. It is an essential reference for researchers of origami mathematics and applications in physics, engineering, and design. Educators, students, and enthusiasts will also enjoy this fascinating account of the mathematics of folding.

The art of origami, or paper folding, is carried out using a square piece of paper to obtain attractive figures of animals, flowers or other familiar figures. It is easy to see that origami has links with geometry. Creases and edges represent lines, intersecting creases and edges make angles, while the intersections themselves represent points. Because of its manipulative and experiential nature, origami could become an effective context for the learning and teaching of geometry.In this unique and original book, origami is an object of mathematical exploration. The activities in this book differ from ordinary origami in that no figures of objects result. Rather, they lead the reader to study the effects of the folding and seek patterns. The experimental approach that characterizes much of science activity can be recognized throughout the book, as the manipulative nature of origami allows much experimenting, comparing, visualizing, discovering and conjecturing. The reader is encouraged to fill in all the proofs, for his/her own satisfaction and for the sake of mathematical completeness. Thus, this book provides a useful, alternative approach for reinforcing and applying the theorems of high school mathematics.

Origami is the art of paper folding without the use of either scissors or glue. Each of the beautiful and fundamental mathematical shapes described in this book is achieved by folding sheets of standard A4 paper. It is remarkable what can been done and David Mitchell gives clear step by step instructions for each. He has gathered together a most impressive collection which will amaze and interest mathematics teachers and other admirers of pure geometrical forms. This new second edition extends the selection massively and has been split into two volumes - see contents.

Project Origami: Activities for Exploring Mathematics, Second Edition presents a flexible, discovery-based approach to learning origami-math topics. It helps readers see how origami intersects a variety of mathematical topics, from the more obvious realm of geometry to the fields of algebra, number theory, and combinatorics. With over 100 new pages, this updated and expanded edition now includes 30 activities and offers better solutions and teaching tips for all activities. The book contains detailed plans for 30 hands-on, scalable origami activities. Each activity lists courses in which the activity might fit, includes handouts for classroom use, and provides notes for instructors on solutions, how the handouts can be used, and other pedagogical suggestions. The handouts are also available on the book’s CRC Press web page. Reflecting feedback from teachers and students who have used the book, this classroom-tested text provides an easy and entertaining way for teachers to incorporate origami into a range of college and advanced high school math courses. Visit the author’s website for more information.

The book contains papers from the proceedings of the 3rd International Meeting of Origami Science, Math, and Education, sponsored by OrigamiUSA. They cover topics ranging from the mathematics of origami using polygon constructions and geometric projections, applications, and science of origami, and the use of origami in education.

Find out Origami with Explanations: Fun with Folding and MathOrigami, paper folding, originated hundreds of years ago in China and Japan, with independent discovery across the world. Today people do origami, create new models, share their work, and discover mathematical principles. This book continues the approach of Origami with Explanations; but is independent, with basic instructions repeated. Carefully written instructions, using photos and diagrams, will turn you into a successful folder and stimulate your own creativity. The models in this book include action models, money folds, beautiful and useful containers, and modular origami. Mathematics topics touched on include improving estimates, tessellations, mathematical induction, flat-foldability, and fold-and-cut. The Explanations section provide insight into the origami and introduce or re-introduce you to basic and advanced subjects in mathematics.