Folding Tech: Using Origami and Nature To Revolutionize Technology

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.