Teaching mathematical thinking through origami

Daniel Meyer, Ed.M	Jeanine Meyer, Ph.D.
Department of Education	Math/Computer Science & New Media
State University of New York/Cortland	Purchase College/SUNY
Cortland, NY	Purchase, NY 10577
meyerd@cortland.edu	jeanine.meyer@purchase.edu

(folding, hand model, editing, and Web publication)
Aviva Meyer
Mailman School of Public Health
Columbia University
New York, NY 10032
aviva.meyer@verizon.net

Abstract

On this site, we offer general and specific strategies for using activities based on origami to invoke mathematical thinking. Origami refers to the Japanese art of paper folding. Background is given on origami, including the development and critical aspects of the practice of origami in the United States. Next, we indicate how origami can relate to the current goals of K-12 mathematical education. General strategies are described that can be applied to any origami model. The basic strategy is for students to do the teaching. Then we describe in detail a variety of models. The examples include a variety of different computer-based techniques that students and hobbyists at all levels can use.

The original material on this Web site was created for the Second Annual Bridges Conference: Mathematical Connections in Art, Music and Science , July 30-August 1, 1999, Winfield, Kansas. We made two presentations: Reflections on a Broken Heart and Computer Methods for producing (informal) Origami Directions at the 3rd International Meeting on Origami, Science, Mathematics, and Education, Asilomar, California, March 9-11, 2001. Most recently, creating directions for origami models was the topic for several lessons in Flash (Flash examples: games and origami). A talk,Using Making Directions for Origami as an Example in Teaching Programming is to given at the Conference on Origami in Education and Therapy at the Origami 2004 convention in New York City, June 29, 2004.