SYMMETRICAL ORIGAMI

TAY L O R R U M S E Y

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

How can we use origami to model different types of symmetry?

• Students will learn the 3 different types of symmetry (Reflection, Rotation and Translation), and then demonstrate their knowledge by creating a “Symmetrical Origami Art Project”

• Students will become familiar with Origami as a Japanese art form; and they will master some of the folding techniques (turning a rectangular paper into a square paper without a ruler, and making sure a fold is lined up perfectly)used in this Japanese form of art, which will also be demonstrated in their Origami art project

• Students will use the 4 explicitly taught Origami folds (kite, skinny kite, triangular 1 and triangular 2) to create an artwork that reflects the different types of symmetry (more specifically reflection and rotation symmetry)

OBJECTIVES

VOCABULARYSymmetry- when one shape becomes

exactly like another if you flip it around, slide it, or turn it.

Reflection Symmetry —when you fold a 2-D figure in half, the two parts will match up perfectly; also known as mirror symmetry

Rotation Symmetry- the image/figure can be turned a certain amount and look exactly the same; also known as radial symmetry

Translation Symmetry- moving an object to the right, left, up, down or diagonally

Line of symmetry- divides a figure into two equal halves (can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal)

Origami- the Japanese art of folding paper into decorative shapes and figures

Fold- to bend something over on itself so that one part of it covers another

Kite Fold- a fold that looks like a kite Skinny Kite Fold- a fold that looks like a skinny kiteTriangular Fold- a fold that looks like a triangle

REFLECTION SYMMETRY• Also known as

“Mirror Symmetry”

• When you fold a 2-D figure in half and the two parts will match up perfectly

Example:

Non-example:

LINE OF SYMMETRYDivides a figure into two equal halves (can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal)A shape can have more than one line of symmetry

HOW MANY LINES OF SYMMETRY? WHERE ARE THEY?

ROTATION SYMMETRY• Also known as

“Radial symmetry”

• The image can be turned/rotated a certain degree and look exactly the same as it originally did

WHICH SHAPE IS NOT AN EXAMPLE OF ROTATION SYMMETRY?

TRANSLATION SYMMETRYMoving an object to

the right, left, up, down or diagonally

Your initial shape does not move

The translated shape is the one that is movedThe translated figure may not be rotated or flipped!

Correct:

Incorrect:

WHICH OPTION SHOWS TRANSLATION SYMMETRY?

HISTORY OF ORIGAMIOrigami- The Japanese art of folding paper

into decorative shapes and figures The word “Origami” comes from the

Japanese words oru (to fold) and kami (paper)

Paper folding in ancient Japan was used only for religious purposes

Early 1600’s-paper folding became a recreational activity as well

Late 1700’s- first written instructions for paper folding appeared Origami was/is a huge part of Japanese

culture It is now an art form used all over the

world!

Examples

ORIGAMI FOLDS1. Kite Fold 2. Skinny Kite

Fold

3. Triangle Fold 4. Triangle Fold #2

THE KITE FOLD

Step 1: Fold the square paper in half to make a triangle

Step 2: Take outside corners and line them up with the crease that you made in the middle

Step 1: Make regular Kite fold

Step 2: Take outside edges and fold them towards the center once more

The Skinny Kite Fold

TRIANGULAR FOLD 1Step 1: Fold Square in half (hotdog style)

Step 2: Fold paper in half again to create a small square

Step 3: Open fold once; Take the bottom corners and line the edges up with the fold line you created

TRIANGULAR FOLD 2

Step 3: Squish flat!

Step 1: Fold the square in half diagonally to make a large triangle. Open it, and fold it the opposite way. Open again.

Step 2: Push two opposite triangles together and pinch the top

SYMMETRICAL ORIGAMI

You will create a symmetrical design using the origami folds you make!