Learn a systematic approach to making, flexing, and exploring a vast number of flexagons using paper as well as flexagon software. Challenge your maths skills through the magical art of paper folding. Flexagons are twisted strips of folded paper which reveal their properties when flexed. On this course, you’ll learn how to build flexagons ‘bottom-up’ and explore how this approach can significantly increase the number of flexagons that you’re able to build.
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You’ll discover a tool created by Scott Sherman which will allow you to make an infinite number of flexagons and explore flexagon diagrams.
You’ll also learn how to create flexagon mazes, meet Ann Schwartz’s mind-boggling straight-strip flexagons, and even learn about Yossi Elran’s art of destroying flexagons.
Syllabus
Week 1: Introduction and first glimpse of flexagons
Week 2: Pinch flexagons
Week 3: Flexagons, flex by flex
Week 4: Advanced flexes
Week 5: Flexagon exploration
Week 6: Les Pooks approach to flexagons and flexagon fun
Learning on this course
You can take this self-guided course and learn at your own pace. On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- fold and flex multiple flexagons
- understand Les Pook’s flexagon jargon
- understand flexagon diagrams
- invent flexagon puzzles and share them with the community
- explore flexagons using Scott Sherman’s flexagonator program and computer language
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for anyone who enjoys being creative, solving puzzles, folding paper, and revealing hidden maths.
It will be helpful for teachers who are looking for material for enrichment programs, and also for flexagon lovers, math magicians and anyone curious about the connection between paper-folding and maths.
What software or tools do you need?
To get the most from this course, it is beneficial to: Have access to a printer. Throughout the course, you’ll have the chance to practice making lots of flexagons using two-sided, colored templates. Learners on this course will be provided with a link to download free flexagon templates to print off.
In week 1, Learners will also be provided with an optional link to purchase a Flexagon template booklet. However, this is NOT a requirement for participation in this course. Please note: timescales for delivery of the booklet in the post will differ internationally.
It is possible for learners to pass the assessments within this course without using the Flexagon templates, but Learners are strongly encouraged to use them.
