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Flexagons and the Math Behind Twisted Paper

Learn how to make flexagons - beautiful and unique paper constructions - and explore the math behind them.

7,522 enrolled on this course

Assortment of flexagons

Flexagons and the Math Behind Twisted Paper

7,522 enrolled on this course

  • 3 weeks

  • 2 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

Discover the unusual math of twisted strips of paper

Flexagons are twisted strips of folded paper, which reveal their properties when flexed.

This online course will explain what flexagons are, their history and their naming conventions. You’ll find out how to create your own flexagons and be able to share them with our global community of learners.

You’ll also explore mathematical fields that provide tools to analyze flexagons, including topology and graph theory and learn about Möbius strips, Tuckermann diagrams and more.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 5 seconds A mathematician is an adventurer, an explorer in an imaginary world full of secrets, equipped only with an inquisitive mind and a twinkle in his eye. Hello, I’m Dr. Yossi Elran and in this course we’re going to study some amazing objects - Flexagons! Flexagons are twisted strips of paper, assembled in such a way, that they have more than two sides, creating the most unusual properties! Throughout the course, we’re going to make and explore some of these fascinating, paper constructions, and by the end of the course, you’ll be able to create your own flexagons and understand some of the fun math behind them. We’re in for a real treat! Click on ‘Join’ to join.

What topics will you cover?

  • The invention of flexagons
  • How to make flexagons
  • Cyclic and non-cyclic flexagons
  • Advanced flexagons
  • Möbius strips and their surprising properties
  • The math behind flexagons, Möbius strips and knotted paper bands

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

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...

  • Produce, create and fold Flexagons and Mobius Strips
  • Explore flexagons and discover some of their unique properties
  • Synthesize your knowledge and discover links between different mathematical tools

Who is the course for?

This course is aimed at learners who enjoy being creative, solving puzzles, folding paper and revealing hidden mathematics. It will be especially useful for parents or teachers looking to inspire a love of math and do fun math activities with young people.

Who will you learn with?

I'm a recreational mathematician and metagrobologist and head our institute's technology in education unit. I have a Ph.D. in theoretical quantum chemistry, and think math and science are really cool!

Who developed the course?

Davidson Institute of Science Education at the Weizmann Institute of Science

The Weizmann Institute of Science is one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary basic research institutions in the natural and exact sciences. The Davidson Institute of Science Education is the educational arm of the Weizmann Institute.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$89/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 9 Apr 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

T&Cs apply.

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