Cover image for Project origami : activities for exploring mathematics
Title:
Project origami : activities for exploring mathematics
Personal Author:
Publication Information:
Wellesley, MA : A.K. Peters, 2006
ISBN:
9781568812588

Available:*

Library
Item Barcode
Call Number
Material Type
Item Category 1
Status
Searching...
30000010144520 QA19.P34 H84 2006 Open Access Book Book
Searching...

On Order

Summary

Summary

When it comes to mathematics, paper isn't just for pen and pencil any more! Origami, the art and science of paper folding, can be used to explain concepts and solve problems in mathematics-and not just in the field of geometry. The origami activities collected here also relate to topics in calculus, abstract algebra, discrete mathematics, topology, and more. Using origami, learn about: - Solving Cubic Equations - Bucky Balls and PHiZZ units - Matrix models for folds - Gaussian Curvature and much more! These activities, which can enhance the classroom experience, also make great independent student projects and are perfect for math clubs or math circles. To provide readers of Project Origami with as much flexibility as possible, we have made all of the handouts in the book available online.


Reviews 1

Choice Review

The underlying physical, and thus mathematical, properties of media both constrain and impel developments in any art form. Origami lives by the Euclidean geometry of folded paper. The foundations of origami provide context for exploring aspects of basic geometry and, in return, reward such study with an expansion of artistic possibilities. Origami itself can provide a tool for visualizing, via models, geometric objects of independent interest. Hull's source book develops all these directions in the form of practical lessons. Before this book, one found similar material scattered through college-level mathematics journals, Internet sites, and appendixes in origami books for hobbyists. The mathematics of origami can interest students from elementary school through college and beyond, since open research problems do arise. Unfortunately, readers here might underestimate the actual direct impact of mathematics on high-level artistic origami, say in the work of R. Lang; though Hull cites Lang's work, he chooses to underplay this very appealing avenue between mathematics and origami. An index, or even several indexes (for mathematical topics, projects, names) would have made this book easier to use, especially for teachers who have in mind students of a certain level. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. General readers; lower-division undergraduates through professionals. D. V. Feldman University of New Hampshire