Bringing Origami to Geometry Class -- Product Reviews

 

Disclosure: I was sent these products in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

One thing I love to do is bring origami into my classroom. Whether using the old patty paper methods to discover theorems and such or doing origami and perhaps an origami project to demonstrate using geometric terms or just to have cool geometric shapes around the room, I love adding origami. I actually have a box of origami paper in my room-- a boot box covered with Asian wrapping paper. Students come in all the time to have a piece or two just to create something for a relaxed moment. Today I am sharing a book full of geometry and geometric shapes all created by origami and two different packs of origami paper (which all will be added to my classroom supply). I have a shelf full of origami books and kits as well. The book is The Art & Science of Geometric Origami by Jun Maekawa. The packs of paper are Origami Paper 300 Sheets Vibrant Colors 4" (10 cm) and Origami Paper in a Box Japanese Washi Patterns. 

From the Publisher:

A magnificent new collection of 60 sculptural paper models from a mathematical origami master!

Master origami folder and author Jun Maekawa is known for developing innovative new methods of folding origami based on fundamental mathematical principles. In The Art & Science of Geometric Origami, he shows you how to fold over 60 different geometric shapes through clear, easy-to-follow instructions and photos.

The unique origami designs in this book include:

• New takes on traditional geometric models including the Tetrahedron and Octahedron
• Unusual forms like the Tetrapod Wave Breaker, Hyperbolic Illusion Cube--and a Torii Gate
• Quirky pieces like the Double Spiral Tessellation, Branching Tree and Fractal Wave
• Biological models such as a Lizard, Tethered Cranes and a realistic Human Figure

Folding instructions for each model are prefaced with an extensive introduction to the geometric principles underlying the piece. The models include nontraditional designs folded from unusual papers, including dozens of clever boxes and modular models which are assembled like 3D puzzles!

From Me: 

This book is divided into three different sections based on the type of origami. The three types are Folding from a Pattern, Unit Origami and Small Models. Folding from a Pattern is new for me, so I wanted to give it a try. To be honest I need to practice it some more. I do think the paper used matters and for these I feel that stronger paper is better like cardstock. I was semi-successful with the Globe but wished I had printed it on cardstock. 

As you can see my printer paper made it very flimsy. One of the neat parts of this section is you can either photocopy the patterns or print them from the original Japanese publisher. My printer was acting up with copying, so I printed them. I did notice the printed ones seemed slightly bigger than the ones in the book. I also tried the Cubohemioctahedron with cardstock and was more successful.

Next is the Unit Origami section. Now I have done some unit origami previously. I always love unit origami because it makes so many interesting geometric solids. I have my room decorated with many of them. I tried the Fish-ahedron using the Origami Paper 300 Sheets Vibrant Colors. 

I think I probably should have pushed the units together more, but it was difficult to get them tight. I am definitely out of practice with my origami. I found the instructions a little difficult to follow in the book, but I also know my mind has been all over the place so it may be a crazy time versus bad instructions. However with that said, this book is not for beginners. There are definitely some origami skills assumed with the book including putting all the pieces together. I wished there was clearer instructions on parts but otherwise love the book. 

I also made the Four-Sheet Square Prism out of the Origami Paper in a Box Japanese Washi Patterns. I loved that this prism is not a cube but has the square bases. It was relatively easy to create, and the papers were easy to match. I used the back sides of two papers so it wouldn't be too busy. The papers' backsides all matched the various patterns. 

The third section is the Small Models. I tried a couple but was not very successful and got a bit frustrated. I am going to keep practicing and maybe try in the morning one weekend so I can make the Double Spiral. I love it! This book has so many creative projects and most are new from what I have seen in the past in geometric origami books. The other unique thing to this book is the mathematical and scientific explanations about the various projects. There is math in this book and it truly shows the geometry of origami!

Each project has an introduction that is full of math and science in the fold, the shape, etc. In some there is discussion of the projects angles and others have information about origami itself. This just adds to the projects and the use for the book in geometry class. As you can see on the sample page the pattern folding ones do not have the most detailed instructions which I struggled without. However, the book is full of information for any geometry enthusiast to enjoy and I think with more practice and a better mind set I will be able to succeed at many more projects. It is such a great book to add to my library!

The first origami paper I am going to share is a smaller size paper--4-inches and solid colors. It is Origami Paper 300 Sheets Vibrant Colors 4" (10 cm). I love having some solid paper around to use for various projects where the patterns do not always fit. For example, making some animals I like more realistic solids versus the patterned paper. I also love to have some smaller paper because it works great for unit origami. This paper has different colors on the back side and is of a good quality. It was easy to use and full of colors of the rainbow and more!

The other paper used in some projects is Origami Paper in a Box Japanese Washi Patterns. This paper is 6-inch squares and the patterns are fun. I shared one project above, but I also tried the butterfly from the instruction book that came with this pack of paper. It was similar to the butterfly I made previously, but Betty's Butterfly uses the entire square and does not require cutting. 

 I found this tutorial was easy to follow and the instruction book had several fun ideas that I don't always see in the instruction books that come with origami paper. I have found that origami butterflies are not always easy to create. I have made a few over the years from different kits and tutorials. Just for Betty's Butterfly alone the Origami Paper in a Box is worth it but the paper itself is fun and a great quality. I love how the back colors coordinate with all the various patterns. The colors really are grouped well together in this pack. These two packs of paper will be added to my classroom collection. I will use them for various lessons as well as my origami project in geometry class. 

I hope you will check out all three products!! Happy folding!!