FYS533

From the ubiquitous paper crane to hyperbolic surfaces to space telescopes, origami has exploded in the last fifty years. Origami continues to inspire artists who have moved well beyond birds into fantastically complex creations involving hundreds of folds. It has brought together scientists, mathematicians, artists, teachers, and engineers. In this course, students learn basic paper folding techniques to create simple origami designs. Then they use these designs to delve into the world of mathematics, from using origami to trisect an angle to exploring the Cut and Fold Theorem. Students also look at some of the folds that have led to applications in design and engineering. Finally, they consider the work of artists who have taken origami into high art, and investigate how origami is being used in the world of education.