Making of Models with Paper Folding Technique – JSS1 Cultural & Creative Arts Lesson Note (Second Term)

Paper folding is the art of making three-dimensional models from a flat sheet of paper by folding only, without cutting or gluing.

• Origami: the Japanese name for the art of paper folding, now used worldwide.
• Crease: the sharp line left on paper after it is folded and pressed.
• Base: a basic folded shape from which many different models are made.
• Model: the finished object made by folding, such as a boat or a crane.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define paper folding and state the basic rules of the technique;
2. describe the valley fold and the mountain fold;
3. name some basic bases and traditional models used in paper folding;
4. list the kinds of paper used for folding;
5. state the educational and therapeutic benefits of paper folding;
6. follow numbered steps to fold a simple paper model.

What is the history of paper folding?

Paper folding began in China soon after paper was invented, then spread to Japan, where it became origami.

• China: paper folding is believed to have started in the 1st or 2nd century, soon after paper was invented.
• Japan: Buddhist monks carried the art there around the 6th century, and it grew into origami.
• Europe: paper folding traditions developed independently.
• Korea: the Korean tradition is called Jongi-jeopgi.
• Islamic cultures: they created geometric paper folding patterns.
• Uses: paper folding has served religious and ceremonial purposes.
• Paper crane: it is a widely known symbol of peace.
• 1,000 cranes: the tradition of folding 1,000 cranes stands for hope and healing.

What are the basic principles of paper folding?

The basic principles are the rules that guide traditional paper folding.

• Start with a square or rectangular sheet: most models begin with a square.
• Avoid cutting: the shape comes from folds alone.
• Use no glue or tape: the folds hold the model together.
• Be precise: every fold must line up exactly.

Which mathematical ideas does paper folding teach?

• Geometry: squares, triangles, diamonds and kites appear in every model.
• Angles: folds make right angles and half angles.
• Symmetry: a fold can divide a shape into two equal halves.
• Proportion: halving and quartering a sheet shows fractions.
• Spatial relationships: a flat sheet becomes a solid form.

What are the basic fold types?

There are six basic fold types: valley fold, mountain fold, inside reverse fold, outside reverse fold, petal fold and squash fold.

• Valley fold: the paper folds toward you, making a valley-shaped crease. It is the most basic fold.
• Mountain fold: the paper folds away from you, making a ridge-shaped crease.
• Inside reverse fold: a point is tucked inside to change its direction.
• Outside reverse fold: a point is wrapped around the outside to change its direction.
• Petal fold: several layers open like flower petals.
• Squash fold: a raised flap is opened and pressed flat.

What is the difference between a valley fold and a mountain fold?

A valley fold bends the paper toward you, while a mountain fold bends it away from you.

What are the basic bases?

A base is a starting shape, and most origami models begin with one of five common bases.

• Square base (preliminary base): a starting point for many models, with four flaps.
• Bird base: made from the square base, it has four points and is the start of the classic crane.
• Waterbomb base: a triangular shape used for models that can be inflated.
• Fish base: a diamond-shaped starting point used for fish and similar models.
• Kite base: a kite shape made by folding two edges to the centre line.

Which papers are used for paper folding?

There are six common papers for folding: kami, tant, foil, washi, tissue and duo paper.

• Kami: traditional origami paper, light and square, coloured on one side and white on the other.
• Tant paper: a textured paper.
• Foil paper: has a shiny metallic finish and holds creases well.
• Washi: traditional Japanese handmade paper, strong and beautiful.
• Tissue paper: thin paper that gives see-through effects.
• Duo paper: has a different colour on each side and gives two-toned models.

What can students use in school?

• Old newspaper: cheap and good for paper hats and boats.
• Plain or coloured sheets: good for crane and frog models.
• Paper weight: measured in grams per square metre (gsm), and the right weight depends on the project.

How do cultural variations affect paper folding?

Paper folding differs from culture to culture in its themes and purposes.

How do you fold paper step by step?

Good paper folding needs careful preparation, then folding in the right order.

Preparation

1. Choose appropriate paper.
2. Work on a clean, flat surface with clean hands.
3. Read the instructions carefully.
4. Practise basic folds before trying complex models.

Folding

1. Start with the correct paper orientation.
2. Align edges precisely.
3. Crease firmly with your fingernail or a bone folder.
4. Follow the sequence exactly.
5. Unfold and check accuracy when unsure, then refold.

How do you fold a paper boat?

A paper boat is folded from a rectangular sheet, such as newspaper, in eight steps.

1. Fold the sheet in half, top to bottom, and crease.
2. Fold it in half left to right, then unfold to mark the centre line.
3. Fold the two top corners to the centre line to make a triangle.
4. Fold the lower strip of one layer up over the triangle, then turn over and repeat.
5. Open the shape and flatten it into a diamond.
6. Fold the bottom corner of the front layer up to the top corner, then turn over and repeat.
7. Open it out and flatten into a smaller diamond.
8. Pull the two top points apart gently and flatten the base to form the boat.

What are some traditional paper folding models?

Traditional models carry cultural meaning and teach basic techniques.

• Paper crane (orizuru): symbolises peace, needs intermediate skill and uses the bird base.
• Paper boat: a simple traditional model that floats, and a good beginner project.
• Paper hat: useful in practice and can be made from newspaper in different sizes.
• Jumping frog: shows action origami, because it jumps when pressed and released.
• Paper aeroplane: joins folding techniques with the idea of flight.

What is modern paper folding?

Modern paper folding goes beyond traditional models to include complex and scientific forms.

• Forms: complex figures, abstract sculptures, mathematical models and architectural shapes.
• Computational origami: uses computer design and mathematical rules to plan folds.
• Applications: engineering, space technology and medicine.
• Art: artists make large installations and sculptures by folding.

What are the educational benefits of paper folding?

Paper folding builds fine motor skills, spatial reasoning and the ability to follow step-by-step instructions.

• Problem solving: students work out how to correct mistakes.
• Patience and focus: a model needs steady attention.
• Mathematics lessons: it shows geometric concepts.
• Science lessons: it explains ideas such as symmetry.
• Art projects: it supports creative expression.
• Cultural studies: it helps students understand other traditions.

What are the therapeutic benefits of paper folding?

Paper folding relaxes the mind and trains the hands.

• Less stress: as a mindfulness activity, it calms the mind.
• Better concentration: the learner must focus on each step.
• Higher self-esteem: finishing a model gives a sense of achievement.
• Emotional expression: the creative process lets a learner show feelings.
• Hand-eye coordination: the hands follow what the eyes see.
• Dexterity: fine motor control improves.

What are the common challenges in paper folding?

The common challenges are imprecise folds, torn paper and hard instructions.

What are origami symbols and diagrams?

Origami symbols are standard marks that show how to fold in a printed diagram.

• Valley fold line: shown as a dashed line.
• Mountain fold line: shown as a dash-dot line.
• Arrows: show the direction of the fold.
• Turn-over and rotate symbols: show when to flip or turn the model.

Why does paper folding remain useful today?

Paper folding is still useful because it is both an art form and a teaching tool.

• Art: artists keep creating more complex designs.
• Teaching: teachers use it to develop different kinds of intelligence.
• Cost: it needs only paper and patience.
• Access: it suits all ages and abilities.

Evaluation

1. Define paper folding.
2. State the basic rules of traditional paper folding.
3. Explain the difference between a valley fold and a mountain fold.
4. Name three kinds of paper used for paper folding.
5. Mention three educational benefits of paper folding.

Assignment

Choose one traditional model from the lesson (the paper crane, paper boat or paper hat). Write three sentences on its meaning or use, then draw and label a valley fold and a mountain fold beside it.