Paper Folding to Outer Space
Find out how folding paper can solve engineering real world problems. Learners will fold their your own model of NASA's star shade.
Elizabeth Kretsch
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(128)
Star Educator
What's included
1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
The lesson begins by exploring how engineers solve real world problems. Learners share their ideas and tools engineers use. Next, origami is introduced as a tool, an art meets math solution, in designing airbags, heart stents, and space structures. For each design, the problem engineers faced with the design and how origami was used in the solution are discussed. The origami folds are illustrated and created by the learners so they can see how it works. A current research project at NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab is introduced. A short video from the lab explains the engineering problem they are addressing and possible solutions being investigated. Finally the learners fold a model of the star shade from the JPL lab. By working with the star shade, learners can see how the design works and how it solves the problem of shipping large objects to outer space. The model demonstrates how the shade is folded at take off and how it will open up in outer space. This is a hand on activity. The lesson uses slides for visual support, discussion, and a video(4 mins from the Jet Propulsion Lab). I would like to thank the NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab for its education program and for sharing its resources with educators.
Learning Goals
Learners understand how origami is used to solve challenging engineering problems.
Learners can fold a model of NASA's star shade and demonstrate how it works.
Other Details
Supply List
Paper, pencil, ruler, and scissors. Please print the activity sheet before the lesson. The activity sheets will be posted 24 hours before the lesson in the classroom.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined June, 2020
5.0
128reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
Non-US Teaching Certificate in Mathematics
3 Degrees
Master's Degree in Mathematics from University of North Carolina
Master's Degree in Secondary Education from University of Leiden, NL
Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from College of William and Mary
I am a passionate educator with a love for teaching and tutoring mathematics. I am a certified secondary mathematics teacher who has guided learners from 10 to adults since 2012. I specialize in helping learners overcome common stumbling blocks encountered in middle school and high school math. I provide individual support through one-to-one tutoring sessions and offer weekly small group lessons covering core math subjects.
I have a bachelor’s degree in math and computer science and master’s degrees in operations research and secondary mathematics education. This extensive background enables me to offer a comprehensive approach in my math lessons. I have a passion for international education. I have taught and tutored students from diverse cultural backgrounds in the Netherlands, England, the United States, and through online platforms worldwide. I embrace the opportunity to incorporate the experiences of my learners into my math lessons, thus creating a globally enriched learning environment.
In my classroom, I guide learners to become active participants and explore math concepts through investigations. I encourage students to share their ideas during the lessons to build their mathematics skills, confidence and communication abilities. When tackling math problems together, I encourage discussing strategies and alternative methods to develop critical analytical thinking. This approach ensures that all learnings’ styles with the class are acknowledged and addressed.
Teaching for me is similar to working on a complex puzzle. With each question posed by a learner, I search to identify their knowledge gaps and connect the missing puzzle pieces. I formulate clear explanations and guidance by asking probing questions that direct learners towards the solution. I am committed to lifelong learning and continuously review and refine my teaching strategies based on student feedback and questions.
I am excited to explore the world of mathematics with your learner.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$12
per classMeets once
50 min
Completed by 15 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-13
2-6 learners per class
