Folding Tech: Using Origami and Nature to Revolutionize Technology

by Karen Latchana Kenney

Overview

Space probes, self-assembling robots, crash-absorbing cars, and designer proteins all have one thing in common: their use of folding technologies. To develop these technologies, engineers are taking inspiration from an unusual source—origami, the ancient art of paper folding. Examine origami's origins, how it intersects with mathematics, and how it became a tool to solve some of the most complicated challenges in engineering, architecture, technology, and medicine today. Plus, get a close-up look at these technologies with two augmented reality images included in the book!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781541533042
Publisher:	Lerner Publishing Group
Publication date:	11/03/2020
Pages:	104
Sales rank:	383,529
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	13 - 14 Years

About the Author

Karen Latchana Kenney was born near the rainforests of Guyana, but moved far north to Minnesota at a young age. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor's degree in English and has been writing and editing since. She has worked as an editor at an educational publishing company, but is now a full-time freelance writer and editor in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has written more than 70 books on all kinds of subjects: from arts and crafts to biographies of famous people. Her books have received positive reviews from Booklist, Library Media Connection, and School Library Journal. When she's not busy writing, she loves biking and hiking with her husband and young son in the many beautiful parks of the state. Visit her online at http://latchanakenney.wordpress.com/.

Editorial Reviews

"[H]ighlights the 'A' in STEAM and is sufficiently meaty in its scientific presentation. . . a great resource to bridge science and origami in the home and classroom."—School Library Journal

From the Publisher

01/01/2021

Gr 8 Up—Kenney details the history of origami and other folding methods and how these techniques can help solve problems in modern engineering, architecture, technology, and medicine. The text points out that math is the language of the universe, and it has ties to the natural and artificial worlds. Some ideas are repeated throughout the text, such as how the pattern of the Fibonacci sequence can be found in nature, but these are treated as classically understood ideas rather than fresh discoveries. Including contemporary scientific ideas alongside historic theories adds depth to this work, allowing readers to connect concepts from 17th-century paper folding to innovations in upcoming space missions. A variety of art is included, which ranges from traditional Japanese paintings to color photographs. The diversity of art supplements the connection between historical art and contemporary practice. The visual representations of the origami instructions are well drawn and easy to follow. VERDICT This title highlights the "A" in STEAM and is sufficiently meaty in its scientific presentation. The sample origami projects also make this title a great resource to bridge science and origami in the home and classroom.—Lisa Bosarge, Enoch Pratt Free Lib., Baltimore

School Library Journal

2020-08-14
An exploration of various modern technologies inspired by origami, the Japanese art of paper folding.

The simple act of folding a piece of paper can become complex quickly. Even readers who have made a paper crane before will be surprised to learn that origami techniques have also helped to create NASA’s newest and biggest telescope, a fast-moving robotic gripper, and an innovative Swiss chapel. Peppered with illuminating photographs and diagrams, the straightforward text moves from the ancient history of origami, through bug wings and mathematics, to solar-powered spacecraft. The common theme, both intriguing and well expressed, is the power and complexity of folding. Included are illustrated instructions for a few hands-on projects that require paper and typical household or classroom items like scissors and a pencil. Interviews with two origami experts, both appearing to be White men, offer down-to-earth advice about following nontraditional career paths like theirs. Also featured is the work of several Asian and/or female researchers. It’s unlikely that readers will retain an understanding of every engineering concept the book describes, but they will gain an appreciation of the interplay between art and science and will be inspired to learn more.

Effectively showcases the contemporary brilliance that can come from ancient principles. (timeline, glossary, source notes, bibliography, further reading, index) (Nonfiction. 13-16)

Kirkus Reviews