Folding Matters

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In this activity, learners explore how the process of folding has impacts on engineering and is evident in nature. Learners consider many applications of folding such as parachutes, wings in a cocoon, heart stents, and solar panels in space. They work in teams to create a model out of everyday items of a solar panel that can be folded (for transport) and expanded (in space). Learners design their solar panel on paper, build it for transport, and open or test it. All teams evaluate their results, reflect on their design, and present to the group. [Activity is publicly available through a web crawler capture on Archive.org.]

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Student Resource Sheets (Page 4)
  • Student Worksheets (Page 6)
  • Aluminum foil box with metal rip bar removed for safety
  • Aluminum foil
  • Tape
  • Cardboard
  • Rubber bands
  • Ruler
  • Popsicle sticks
  • Plastic rods
  • Straws
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Paper clips
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Balsa wood
  • Cotton balls
  • Paper
  • Fabric
  • Other classroom materials

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
      • Probes, Satellites and Spacecraft
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Aerospace Engineering
      • Mechanical Engineering
      • Transportation Engineering
    • Technology
      • Transportation
  • Physical Sciences
    • Energy
      • Energy and Power
  • Mathematics
    • Geometry
    • Measurement
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results
  • The Nature of Technology
    • Technology and Society
      • Impacts of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Research and Development
      • Invention and Innovation
      • Problem Solving
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Informal Categories

  • Arts and Crafts
  • Model Building

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, IEEE,