origami

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Origami crane folded from one uncut square of paper

Origami – from Japanese word “Ori” and “kami” – paper

Origami Crane
There is a legend concerning the origami crane. This states that if someone makes one thousand cranes, their wish will be granted. This is the most classic of all origami and everyone should learn how to fold it. instructions (video 12:43, no sound)

  • jumping frog – use paper that’s a bit thicker. You will need to use rectangular paper for this model
  • ball or balloon
  • flower – If you use origami paper that is white on one side and colored on the other, be sure to fold it so that the color side is inside the folds – the color will be visible only at the final step of the project.

History of Origami – Unlike other art forms, paper degrades quickly leaving no artifacts to suggest where origami originated and who first invented it. The information listed here provides a good overview. [ttp://www.origami-resource-center.com/history-of-origami.html more…]

Folding way-new origami (video 15:58) – Robert Lang is a pioneer of the newest kind of origami — using math and engineering principles to fold mind-blowingly intricate designs that are beautiful and, sometimes, very useful. Solar sails, heart stent, airbag – transport flat sheet in a tiny package.

Some examples of origami as a solution to an engineering problem

  • Engineers use origami to design antennas – researchers are taking principles from the traditional Japanese art of origami to create powerful, yet compact antennas and electronics.
  • packaging –
  • Miura fold – In 1995, Japanese astrophysicist Koryo Miura designed a folding mechanism intended to deploying solar panels in space. The method, called the Miura fold or miura-ori, allows you to open and close a folded piece of paper—like a map—with one swift motion.”
  • How Origami Saves Lives (podcast 2:00) – airbags, surical instruments

What’s the problem?
Oru – The Origami Inspired Kayak – design a kayak that could easily shape-shift into its very own compact carry box. The greatness of the solution would have to be two-fold. The strength at the folds would allow the kayak’s shell to double as a frame and it could be folded from a single sheet of material. A second sheet would be unfolded creating a sturdy floorboard to help reinforce the cockpit.

That’s engineering

  • origami – The traditional Japanese art of paper folding to create decorative figures and shapes.
  • kirigami. This is a type of origami. Kirigami involves cutting as well as folding.

Engineering ideas

  • compact, fold, solar sail, heat shield,

Do it
Here are some challenges for you to work on…

Learn more…

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