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Numbers & Shapes |
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Numbers & Shapes |
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Have some fun with numbers and shapes.
#1. Math Shapes:
Try to make different patterns from the same shapes.
You will need:
1. Have someone help you draw the different shapes inside the
square shown here:
2. Cut the paper on the lines.
3. Try to remake the square by putting your shapes back together.
4. Try to make other patterns and designs using your shapes.
#2. Origami
Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper. Try making an origami cat.
You will need a square sheet of paper.
Cut out image along outer solid lines.
Fold back along diagonal line.
a. Turn your origami over,
b. So that the printed side faces down.
a. Fold down on diagonal line as shown.
b. Repeat on other side.
a. Fold ear up as shown.
b. Repeat on other side.
#3. Mobius Strips
Similar paper magic can happen with Mobius strips. These paper strips
are named after the German mathematician August F. Mobius.
You will need:
1. Make a design on one side of the paper.
2. Draw long, straight lines 1'' apart along the length of the paper. Use the
ruler to help you space the lines and draw them straight.
3. Cut the paper into strips along the lines.
4. Make three different kinds of loops.
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5. Tape the ends.
6. Without breaking the chains, cut the loops through the center of your strip.
7. What happens? Feel your way around the edge of the Mobius Strip.
#4. Jigsaw Puzzle
Try to make your own jigsaw puzzle.
You will need:
1. Spread a thin coat of glue on the heavy paper.
2. Put your picture on the gluey paper and press it smooth.
3. Dry the paper flat by covering it with newspaper or wax paper and laying
books on top. Let the papers dry for one or more days.
4. Trim the edges of the paper.
5. Draw several lines over the back of your paper.
6. Cut the paper apart.
7. Try to put your puzzle back together.
8. Store the pieces of your puzzle in an envelope for safekeeping.
#5. The shapes of the Moon
Many people only think of the moon as a circle in the sky at night.
During one month, watch the moon to see how it changes its shape. Does it start
out looking like a circle? Starting on the first day of the month, draw a
picture of what the moon looks like once a week. On which day of the month does
the moon look like a complete circle? On which day does it look like it is cut
in half?
#6. Nature Shapes
Take a walk in your neighborhood or a hike in a forest or park. Cary a
pad and pencil with you. Look around and try to find different shapes in nature.
Do you see any circles, squares, or triangles? Identify any natural things that
are in the shape of ovals, diamonds, or straight lines. Draw something in nature
that has at least one of these shapes in it.
Other Helpful Links:
Origami
Origami Animals
Paper in Wisconsin
Joseph Wu's Origami Page
Tang rams -
Introduction
The
Page of Easy Puzzles
Paper Airplanes
Draw the Moon
The Moon
Geometric
Dissection Puzzle
Do an
On-Line Tanagram
TANGRAMS -- history -- puzzles -- make -- links