Flexagons and the Math Behind Twisted Paper

Posted 2 years ago by Davidson Institute of Science Education at the Weizmann Institute of Science

Study Method : Online
Duration : 3 weeks
Subject : Science, Engineering & Maths
Overview
Learn how to make flexagons - beautiful and unique paper constructions - and explore the math behind them.
Course Description

Discover the unusual math of twisted strips of paper

Flexagons are twisted strips of folded paper, which reveal their properties when flexed.

This online course will explain what flexagons are, their history and their naming conventions. You’ll find out how to create your own flexagons and be able to share them with our global community of learners.

You’ll also explore mathematical fields that provide tools to analyze flexagons, including topology and graph theory and learn about Möbius strips, Tuckermann diagrams and more.

This course is aimed at learners who enjoy being creative, solving puzzles, folding paper and revealing hidden mathematics. It will be especially useful for parents or teachers looking to inspire a love of math and do fun math activities with young people.

Requirements

This course is aimed at learners who enjoy being creative, solving puzzles, folding paper and revealing hidden mathematics. It will be especially useful for parents or teachers looking to inspire a love of math and do fun math activities with young people.

Career Path
  • Produce, create and fold Flexagons and Mobius Strips
  • Explore flexagons and discover some of their unique properties
  • Synthesize your knowledge and discover links between different mathematical tools