Origami and geometrical shapes

Origami, also known as origami, is much more than an artistic activity or a relaxing pastime: it is an extraordinary tool for exploring geometry in a tangible, creative and meaningful way. Each fold we make in a sheet of paper invites us to think about lines, angles, symmetries and proportions. 

Folding paper requires precision, spatial attention and planning. For example, when we make a diagonal fold, we are working with a bisector; if we fold the paper in half, we explore axial symmetry. As we move on to more complex figures, we introduce concepts such as angles, geometric transformations (rotations, translations and reflections) and even the calculation of areas by comparing the size of the folded parts with the original figure.

In the classroom, origami can be used to reinforce learning about plane and three-dimensional geometry. From building a simple figure such as a cube or a fish, to analyzing the properties of the resulting shapes (what figures appear when folded, how many faces, edges or vertices?), this activity helps develop spatial vision, manual precision and the capacity for mathematical abstraction. In addition, it is ideal for cross-cutting work with art, culture (for example, the Japanese origin of origami) and sustainability, by promoting the use of simple materials such as recycled paper.

An enriching proposal can be to invite students to create an origami figure and then analyze it from a geometric point of view, asking questions such as “what plane shapes appear?”, “what symmetries does it have?”, “what kind of folds have they used?” Through this activity, learning mathematics becomes a sensory and creative experience where every fold counts.