It may not be obvious on the surface, but mathematics are involved in many daily activities, and Plainsboro Library’s summer programs are taking advantage of this concept, offering a variety of events focused on using mathematics in everything from art to singing.
One example is with origami, the art of paper folding to create artistic designs. For Allison Kwok and her daughter, Grace, teaching the workshops in origami and Chinese knot-tying this summer are the prime examples of emphasizing mathematics.
“We do symmetry shapes, and when you fold the paper in half, magically, both sides are the same,” points out Allison. “We try to teach them how to cut the paper in order to make full use of the paper.”
The mother-daughter duo, who have lived in Plainsboro for the past 16 years, have been holding workshops in Plainsboro during fall art festivals and during the Chinese New Year and are also running workshops as part of the library’s summer program.
They are teaching two origami sessions as part of the program. The first is on Monday, July 12, at 1 p.m., and the second is on Wednesday, July 14, at 7 p.m. and is geared more for adults. The pair is also teaching a Chinese knot-tying class, which shows the practical and decorative uses of making the knots. Chinese knot tying can be used for making bracelets or necklaces.
In addition to teaching mathematical concepts, origami can also be used to teach students the importance of being environmentally friendly, said Kwok. Attendees are told to bring any kind of colorful paper, including magazines, paper, and old gift wrap. Along the way, the duo will introduce fractions and other mathematical concepts.
“When the kids look at these things, they will see it differently,” she said. “We teach how to measure the paper and use every inch of the paper to make different items. Even 8.5-by-11 inch paper can actually be cut into square, and from those squares, you can make a family of birds.”
In addition, “it’s very good for letting the kids know that before you throw things away, you can make use of them,” she said.
The pair is experienced in the art. The family lived in Hong Kong before coming to the United States, when Allison’s husband, a nurse, re-located for work. Allison’s two sons both taught origami at the library when they were younger. Both are graduates of the WW-P school system and Rutgers University.
Grace Kwok is attending the Pratt Institute of Art after having also graduated from High School South. Allison Kwok, an instructional assistant at Dutch Neck Elementary School, said she picked up the art while in Hong Kong. But, “for me, it was more self-taught,” she added.
A few years ago, Allison Kwok began teaching her son’s class in school about origami. “Even though my son has graduated, mothers still tell me their children do it in college because it is very meditating,” she said.
She said the family loves teaching the art at the library. “When my kids were young, they learned a lot from the library,” she said. “Grace loves to go here and teach what she knows. A lot of times, you can still learn something from the kids while you’re teaching.” — Cara Latham
For more information, log on to the library’s website at www.lmxac.org/plainsboro and click on the blog. For program listings, also log on to the event database at www.wwpinfo.com.
