Origami Creations On Display in Campus Center
Pierce Mohr-Murphy and his classmates in the fifth-grade gifted and talented program at Dr. Joyanne D. Miller Elementary School partnered with Stockton University students for our annual Origami Showcase on Wednesday, April 17.
Galloway, N.J. – For the first time ever, Stockton University students were joined by local fifth graders to showcase unique origami creations throughout the Campus Center’s Grand Hall on Wednesday, April 16.
In addition to collegiate creations, dioramas full of paper birds, trees and other creations created by students from Dr. Joyanne D. Miller Elementary School in Egg Harbor Township were on display.
One of those students, Pierce Mohr-Murphy, found himself enthralled with the art form despite almost “rage-quitting” his first model, a dragon. Since then, he has moved to creating stunning modular origami pieces that require multiple pieces of paper, patience and a lot of perseverance.
“That’s a dodecahedron, and this is a truncated hexahedron,” Mohr--Murphy said, pointing to a ball and a cube, both full of curved angles. He pointed to the cube, “This was the hardest to create, and it fell apart, so I had to put it back together before everyone started coming in here.”
Kelly Hunt and Kim Pettit, faculty members for the Egg Harbor Township elementary school’s gifted and talented program, were happy to incorporate the art form into their curriculum, saying that the fifth graders enjoyed every aspect of the learning experience.
“I've known Dr. (Norma) Boakes for a long time, and she kind of inspired us to try this with the kids, and they’ve just blossomed,” Hunt said. “Most of them are beginners, but when you look at the stuff they created, it's hard to believe they are.”
“Some of them really take off with it, and it’s exciting to watch,” Pettit said. “They really get into it, and a few of them become really advanced.”
Professor and chair of the Education program Norma Boakes teaches “The Art & Math of Origami,” where students learn about the ancient art of paper folding and explore its connection to mathematical principles, such as geometry.
Once proficient in different models and techniques, the students collaborate to create impressive final projects, which are displayed in the Campus Center every April during the month-long Scholarship, Teaching & Research Symposium.
This year’s showcase theme: Legends of the World. Students formed groups and selected five countries — Norway, Egypt, Mexico, Japan and the United States — to highlight with their models. Models ranged from Norwegian canoes and Mexican paletas to Japanese dragons and Egyptian camels.
For student Jackson Hiel, of Washington Township, the course not only earned him the math credits he needed to graduate, but it also opened his eyes to a new hobby that has improved his dexterity and encouraged mindfulness. He also enjoyed the experience of working with his showcase group to create their final project.
“It was terrific,” said Hiel, who was part of the Mexico group. “It was a real big group effort, and all of the stuff came together right at the end to complete this beautiful product that I know a lot of us are all proud of.”
Shortly before the showcase, the fifth graders also had the chance to learn how to fold an action model with Boakes and Hiel. Hiel, who is studying to become a K-12 educator, said the experience provided valuable experience for him, though he plans on working with high–school students in the future.
“There’s something special about being able to participate in a type of skill or art like this that kind of transcends beyond age,” Hiel said. “Being able to stand up there, talk to all the kids, teach and help them, it was great.”
Boakes is looking forward to continuing to have collaborations like this, especially after such a positive experience working with Hunt and Pettit and seeing how all of the students benefited from exploring origami.
“We sat down and talked about some of the strategies I used when I worked with middle school students,” Boakes said. “They said it was a nice way for kids to apply mathematics while learning about culture and historical references. We love the energy of young kids with the university students, it's really cool to see, so I definitely think this is something that we'll do again.”
– Story by Loukaia Taylor
– Photos by Susan Allen
Fairy Tales Take Shape in 'Art and Math of Origami' Class
April 25, 2018
Galloway, N.J. – Who knew that combining math and art could make fairy tales come true?
More than 20 students enrolled in the general studies course, The Art & Math of Origami (GNM 2257), learned the ancient art of paper folding, or origami, while exploring the art's connection to a variety of disciplines.
The Origami Showcase featured the origami artwork of the students using this year’s theme of fairy tales.
The course is taught by Norma Boakes, Associate Professor & Program Coordinator of Education, who shows how to incorporate art, history and culture into mathematical coursework. The course is intended for all majors, and is designed to review and strengthen mathematic knowledge through discussion and hands-on exploration.
_ Story reported by Jessica Jacob
