The Weizmann Institute of Science is a public research university in Rehovot, Israel, south of Tel Aviv. It differs from other Israeli universities in that it offers only graduate and postgraduate tutelage in the natural and exact sciences.
Discover the unusual math of twisted strips of paperFlexagons 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.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.
Challenge your maths skills through the magical art of paper foldingFlexagons are twisted strips of folded paper which reveal their properties when flexed.On this course, you’ll learn how to build flexagons ‘bottom-up’ and explore how this approach can significantly increase the numberof flexagons that you’re able to build.You’ll discover a tool created by Scott Sherman which will allow you to make an infinite number of flexagons and explore flexagon diagrams.You’ll also learn how to create flexagon mazes, meet Ann Schwartz’s mind-boggling straight-strip flexagons, and even learn about Yossi Elran’s art of destroying flexagons.This course is designed for anyone who enjoys being creative, solving puzzles, folding paper, and revealing hidden maths.It will be helpful for teachers who are looking for material for enrichment programs, and also for flexagon lovers, math magicians and anyone curious about the connection between paper-folding and maths.If you’d like an introduction to flexagons, join Flexagons and the math behind twisted paper.To get the most from this course, it is beneficial to: Have access to a printer. Throughout the course, you’ll have the chance to practice making lots of flexagons using two-sided, colored templates. Learners on this course will be provided with a link to download free flexagon templates to print off.In week 1, Learners will also be provided with an optional link to purchase a Flexagon template booklet. However, this is NOT a requirement for participation in this course. Please note: timescales for delivery of the booklet in the post will differ internationally.It is possible for learners to pass the assessments within this course without using the Flexagon templates, but Learners are strongly encouraged to use them.
Get an introduction to the fun, games and puzzles of recreational mathMath doesn’t have to be boring or difficult. In fact learning about recreational math can not only enhance your creative thinking but it can be exciting and useful in daily life.During this course you will challenge your brain and have fun while learning about the math of various entertaining subjects such as magic squares, puzzles and games. You will also learn about famous recreational mathematicians.The course is designed for anyone who enjoys popular science, recreational maths and solving maths puzzles and crosswords. There are no particular requirements. It will be especially useful for parents or teachers looking to inspire a love of math and do fun math activities with young people.