ORIGAMI (grades 2-12)

In this program students are introduced to the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, both a cultural and an artistic form of expression. Enshrined in Shinto, the national religion of Japan, origami is practiced by young and old alike. Through the practice of making objects such as animals, geometric figures, and decorative items out of square sheets of paper, the class will be exposed to the historic aspects of the art, as well as specific terminology and concepts. Students will learn techniques such as the mountain and valley fold, the bases, reverse folding and the interpretation of folding diagrams. A plastic art, the practice of origami allows students to influence three-dimensional form by altering paper to create relationships of folds, angles and planes. By introducing the creative use of geometry, the teacher will instruct the class how shape, volume, symmetry, division, and proportion play a key role in transforming flat pieces of paper into objects in-the-round.