Folding the Circle for Information
The tyranny of the square and the idea that the circle is the drawing, have prevented us from exploring folding circles. For various reasons square paper has become the standard for origami and for folding paper.Circle folding has been extensively explored and is presented by Bradford Hansen-Smith for what can be formed, reformed, and transformed; as well as the extraordinary amount of educational information that is inherent in the circle that is revealed through systematic folding and joining paper plates. Folding circles is an information process that Hansen-Smith calls Wholemovement. This process expands our understanding about learning mathematics, making it experientially accessible at the primary grade level. It turns out that the circle reveals patterned formations and transformations not possible with any other form of modeling or mathematical construction. In contrast to using the circle as a symbol for zero that stand for nothing, through folding the circle it shows itself to be whole, everything, demonstrating unity in ways nothing else but the circle can do.
You will find more information about folding circles by visiting our store.
Two intersecting 2-frequency tetrahedra; 8 folded/taped paperplates colored with markers.