Folding Tech: Using Origami and Nature to Revolutionize Technology

Awards:   Junior Library Guild Selection Mathical Book Prize
Author:   Karen Latchana Kenney
Publisher:   Lerner Publishing Group
ISBN:  

9781541533042


Pages:   104
Publication Date:   03 November 2020
Recommended Age:   From 13 to 14 years
Format:   Hardback
Availability:   Available To Order   Availability explained
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Folding Tech: Using Origami and Nature to Revolutionize Technology


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Awards

  • Junior Library Guild Selection
  • Mathical Book Prize

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!

Full Product Details

Author:   Karen Latchana Kenney
Publisher:   Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint:   Lerner Publishing Group
Dimensions:   Width: 15.90cm , Height: 1.10cm , Length: 23.50cm
Weight:   0.363kg
ISBN:  

9781541533042


ISBN 10:   1541533046
Pages:   104
Publication Date:   03 November 2020
Recommended Age:   From 13 to 14 years
Audience:   Young adult ,  Teenage / Young adult
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Available To Order   Availability explained
We have confirmation that this item is in stock with the supplier. It will be ordered in for you and dispatched immediately.

Table of Contents

Reviews

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.--Kirkus Reviews -- Journal (9/1/2020 12:00:00 AM) 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.--School Library Journal -- Journal (1/1/2021 12:00:00 AM) Origami, the art of paper folding, goes back to seventh-century Japan. Inspired by the intricate budding of plants and flowers, this centuries-old art turns out to have multiple current-day applications as engineers launch huge payloads into space, doctors release probes into tiny spaces within the human body, and robots take on dangerous seek-and-rescue missions. As origami has evolved into a sophisticated art form, its application has made new technology possible. Chapters trace parallel art and STEM developments, scientific advancements inspired by the natural world, and the math and engineering behind folding theory. The accessible text is accompanied by hands-on experiments that turn theory into observable results. Diagrams, photos, and case scenarios further help readers understand the seemingly never-ending possibilities. The book ends with an overview of emerging applications, career advice, a time line, a glossary, source notes, a bibliography, recommendations for further reading, and a link to augmented reality demonstrations. From folded cranes to collapsible solar sails, this offering provides an enticing look at a unique STEAM crossover.--Booklist -- Journal (10/15/2020 12:00:00 AM)


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.--Kirkus Reviews -- Journal Origami, the art of paper folding, goes back to seventh-century Japan. Inspired by the intricate budding of plants and flowers, this centuries-old art turns out to have multiple current-day applications as engineers launch huge payloads into space, doctors release probes into tiny spaces within the human body, and robots take on dangerous seek-and-rescue missions. As origami has evolved into a sophisticated art form, its application has made new technology possible. Chapters trace parallel art and STEM developments, scientific advancements inspired by the natural world, and the math and engineering behind folding theory. The accessible text is accompanied by hands-on experiments that turn theory into observable results. Diagrams, photos, and case scenarios further help readers understand the seemingly never-ending possibilities. The book ends with an overview of emerging applications, career advice, a time line, a glossary, source notes, a bibliography, recommendations for further reading, and a link to augmented reality demonstrations. From folded cranes to collapsible solar sails, this offering provides an enticing look at a unique STEAM crossover.--Booklist -- Journal


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. --Kirkus Reviews -- (9/1/2020 12:00:00 AM) 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. --School Library Journal -- (1/1/2021 12:00:00 AM) Origami, the art of paper folding, goes back to seventh-century Japan. Inspired by the intricate budding of plants and flowers, this centuries-old art turns out to have multiple current-day applications as engineers launch huge payloads into space, doctors release probes into tiny spaces within the human body, and robots take on dangerous seek-and-rescue missions. As origami has evolved into a sophisticated art form, its application has made new technology possible. Chapters trace parallel art and STEM developments, scientific advancements inspired by the natural world, and the math and engineering behind folding theory. The accessible text is accompanied by hands-on experiments that turn theory into observable results. Diagrams, photos, and case scenarios further help readers understand the seemingly never-ending possibilities. The book ends with an overview of emerging applications, career advice, a time line, a glossary, source notes, a bibliography, recommendations for further reading, and a link to augmented reality demonstrations. From folded cranes to collapsible solar sails, this offering provides an enticing look at a unique STEAM crossover. --Booklist -- (10/15/2020 12:00:00 AM)


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.--Kirkus Reviews -- Journal


Author Information

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/.

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