03/02/10 SME 430. Solids with Modular ‘Origami ‘The purpose ofthis activity isto be able to construt solids by using modular origami and to describe properties of solids we have constructed by relating to the properties provided for Platonic Solids. Regular polyhedrons are named as Platonic solids. Task In this activity we will construct two solids by using modular origami. In Japanese, the word “ori” means “to fold” and the word “kami” means “paper”. So, “origami” means “to fold paper”. Modular origami, or unit origami, is @ paper folding technique which uses multiple sheets of paper to create a larger and more complex structure than would be possible using single-piece origami techniques. Each individual sheet of paper is folded into a module, or unit, and then modules are assembled into an integrated flat shape or three- dimensional structure by inserting flaps into pockets created by the folding process. These insertions create tension or friction that holds the model together’. We'll use the same unit structure for both of the solids we'll construct together. In order to have some familiarity with this technique we picked the first one to be an easier one, We'll construct a cube in the first part of this activity, ‘All we need in this activity is 6 set square pieces of paper -for the frst task and 12 square piece of paper -for the second task. Description of Basic Module (Unit) i | | / | oe \Gawitacalasqure piece oFpaper, FoTTand una the paper inal Foldand ufolthe wo ste in Towards the centr crease | i * ptp://www.origami-resource-center.com/index.htm! 2 ittp://en.wikipedia.org/wikl/Modular_origamt\' Fold the upper right comer in towards Fold the bottom left corner in towards Fold the both comers again. 10 right handside quarter crease. 1 left handside quarter crease, Fold the two sides in towards Fold upper left hand comer and Put the folded triangles the center crease. ‘bottom right hand comer to the edges. into the pieces opposite side Tur the other sce and fold and unfold the rangle points onto the square onthe mide. Fla Pocket P re Pocket FlapLet’s make some solids. Units fit together by putting one flap into the pocket of another unit. Now itis time to construct solids. After you construct your solids use the following properties (Math Through Ages. p. 132) to conclude whether your solid is a platonic solid or not: * At least three polygonal faces must meet at any vertex of the polyhedron. + Since the polyhedron is regular, the situation at any vertex is the same as at any other + Inorder to make a peak, the sum of all the face angles at the vertex must be less than 360°. * Since all the faces are congruent, the angle sum at a vertex must be divided up equally among them. We can also use Euler's formula for « quick check. It says that for any convex polyhedron (which includes the platonic solids) that the Number of Faces (F) plus the Number of Vertices (corner points -V) minus the Number of Edges (E) always equals 2. Itis written: F +V-E=2 If your solid do not satisfy this property you can decide that it is not a platonic solid for sure. However, the inverse is not true so we also need to go over other properties to make sure that our solid is a platonic solid. Cube: 6 units are needed to make a cube. Describe the properties. Is it a platonic solid? YrB--Z2 Yes tk tsa platonic sod Some other solids: ‘When you use 12 units what do you get? Describe the properties. Is ita platonic solid? 24 3672 Yes iS a plector'e sond. Optional: When you use 30 units what do you get? Describe the properties. | ita platonic solid?