List

Puzzling with Paper

All you need to have a go at the tasks in this feature is plenty of paper, preferably in different colours, and a good measure of perseverence. 

Can you picture the shapes you'll get when you fold a piece of paper along the creases shown in the photos?  Make those shapes in different sizes, create a pattern and then arrange your patterns in different ways to make flowers and rings.  Are you up for the challenge?

We're looking forward to seeing your creations!

Folding Flowers 1
problem

Folding flowers 1

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
filled star empty star empty star
Can you visualise what shape this piece of paper will make when it is folded?
Folding Flowers 2
problem

Folding flowers 2

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
filled star empty star empty star
Make a flower design using the same shape made out of different sizes of paper.
Regular Rings 1
problem

Regular rings 1

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
filled star filled star empty star
Can you work out what shape is made by folding in this way? Why not create some patterns using this shape but in different sizes?
Regular Rings 2
problem

Regular rings 2

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
filled star filled star empty star
What shape is made when you fold using this crease pattern? Can you make a ring design?
Modular origami polyhedra
page

Modular origami polyhedra

These models have appeared around the Centre for Mathematical Sciences. Perhaps you would like to try to make some similar models of your own.
Paper Curves
problem

Paper curves

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
filled star empty star empty star
This is a simple paper-folding activity that gives an intriguing result which you can then investigate further.
Bryony's Triangle
problem
Favourite

Bryony's triangle

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
filled star empty star empty star

Watch the video to see how to fold a square of paper to create a flower. What fraction of the piece of paper is the small triangle?