This is the portion of my workshop on Unit Origami (given at MathFest Washington DC 8/7/2015). There are additional, associated slideshares.

1. Unit Origami
Jim Olsen, Western Illinois University
JR-Olsen@wiu.edu
Homepage: http://faculty.wiu.edu/JR-Olsen/wiu/
Main webpage: http://wp.me/P6mrPm-E
Main Prezi: http://bit.ly/1Uh8ePp
Unit Origami (#2 of 5)

2. Unit Origami
From a book: Unfolding Mathematics with Unit Origami, by
Franco and Varner (published by Key Curriculum Press 1999)
(A poster also exists.)
Star-Building Unit:

4. Unit Origami
A “Star-Building Unit” is made from a square piece of paper.
All models are created by using multiple star-building units.
For example:
3 Star-building units used to make the triangular hexahedron (3 colors).
6 Star-building units used to make the cube (3 colors).
12 units used to make the stellated octahedron (4 colors).
No glue is needed. Models can be disassembled and units can be
stored for later use (or reassembly into other models).
I have a number of Christmas units I get out most years.

5. Unit Origami
Comment on the paper
I usually have used 8½”× 8½” office paper
Because we have it in colors (and can be easily cut on the paper cutter)
I often decorate the units with rubber stamps, gel pens, etc.
Smaller squares work well (for smaller models).
Scrapbooking paper or heavier paper can be used.

6. Unit Origami
We will make the triangular hexahedron
Need:
3 Star-building units in 3 colors.
Time permitting: Make the cube.
Need:
6 Star-building units in 3 colors.

7. Unit Origami
Click here for steps for folding the Star-building Unit
Make 3 (or 6)

8. Unit Origami
Construction of the Model
 Each building unit has two tabs (acute points) and
two pockets.
 A tab of one unit goes into a pocket of another unit.
 Every tab goes into a pocket.
 Every pocket gets a tab.

9. Unit Origami
Constructing the Triangular Hexahedron
 Use 3 units (3 colors).
Constructing the Cube
 Use 6 units (2×3 colors).
 2 colors per face.
 Opposite faces have the same colors.
Tip: Start with the tab over the top (outside) the pocket, so that
that the tab can be put into the pocket.

10. Unit Origami
More Info
YouTube video for making the Star-Building Unit:
https://youtu.be/fGBxxLKmIRA
Here at MathFest, the National Association of
Math Circles has a table in the Exhibit Hall where
they are building models with Star Building Units
(they call them Sonobe Origami units)
Google for Modular Origami: Sonobe Polyhedra

11. Unit Origami
(Page with links)
Jim Olsen, Western Illinois University
JR-Olsen@wiu.edu
Homepage: http://faculty.wiu.edu/JR-Olsen/wiu/
Main webpage: http://wp.me/P6mrPm-E
Main Prezi: http://bit.ly/1Uh8ePp
Unit Origami (#2 of 5)