Exploring Geometry with Origami One-Cut-Heart

Various studies have indicated that incorporating origami activities into a geometry lesson can promote elementary and middle school students' mathematical reasoning, enhance their ability to use precise mathematical terminologies, and increase their communication skills. The authors wondered if origami activities have a place in high school geometry. They designed a series of one-straight-cut activities aimed at deepening high school students' essential understanding of geometry; developing their communication skills by producing, interpreting, and explaining diagrams; and thinking about questions embedded into PowerPoint® slides and shown in activity sheets. Links to the one-straight-cut activity sheets, PowerPoint slides and videos are accessible to classroom teachers through the links included in the article. The authors begin by presenting the introductory tasks they used before illustrating one-straight-cut heart activities to preservice teachers. Then they share how these activities planned and implemented by co-authors Dr. Ko and preservice teacher Holden supported their preservice teachers to work collaboratively, think critically, and communicate effectively, along with representative dialogues and reflections from preservice teachers Caroline, (co-author) Devon W. Maxwell, Elisa, (co-author) Runge, and Kevin (first names only indicate pseudonyms). Although the implementation of their activities was conducted with preservice teachers, similar results would be true in the high school setting.