· David Lister is an origami historian who is currently investigating the history of modular origami. He has posted a number of articles on the history and philosophy of origami. David was kind enough to answer some of my questions about the origin of the Sonobe module by e-mail. As far as David knows, there is no authoritative documentation stating that Mitsunobu Sonobe invented the module that now bears his name. Sonobe was a member of the Sosaku Origami Group 67 founded by Toshie Takahama. A picture of a cube created by Sonobe appears in a 1968 magazine issued by the origami group. Takahama used 3 Sonobe modules to create the figure known as "Toshie's Jewel" in the early 1960s. The Jewel and many related figures appear in several of her origami books. Because of this, some people have attributed the module to her. David thinks it is likely that Sonobe invent

Origami may not seem like it involves very much mathematics. Yes, origami involves symmetry. If we build a polyhedron then, sure, we encounter a shape from geometry. Is that as far as it goes? Do any interesting mathematical questions arise from the process of folding paper? Can origami help someone learn arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and other standard math topics? Is there any deep mathematics in origami? Is the mathematics behind origami useful for anything other than making pretty decorations?

Using Origami to Teach Standard Mathematics Topics

From my own perspective, I feel that it made me a more creative teacher and produced a special bond between us. Many kids expressed appreciation that I shared my enthusiasm for origami by teaching it to them. Former students still come past and say, “Miss Bass, look what I folded today!”

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