In the field of geometry, a rep-tile or reptile is a (tessellating) shape that can be dissected into smaller examples of the same shape. The term was coined as a pun on animal reptiles by the American mathematician Solomon W. Golomb, who used it to describe self-replicating tilings.  Students can fold simple versions, or can be challenged to create "locked" examples - there are many possible solutions. This topic has several areas that can be investigated, including:

Geometric shapes / Colour combinations / Folding at a basic level / More advanced folding

Dr. Lizzie Burns is a science-based artist and creative specialist, also a visiting academic in the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford. Following a doctorate and research fellowship in cancer research at the University of Oxford, Lizzie has been working as a "science-based artist" since 2002 using origami to explore the beauty and wonder of life.

We will learn a simple unit, and encourage creative folding and problem solving by making different models. The class is interactive and students are encouraged to experiment with their own ideas and share them with the group. Often when we teach paper folding students try to follow the teacher and there is little scope for their own ideas. In this class our aim is to give students a simple, versatile little model and inspire original works of art.

Learn to fold this charming origami bunny, designed by Michael G. LaFosse for the "Year of the Rabbit," 2023! 

Intermediate Level (includes inside-reverse folds, swivel squashing, and a crimp.)

We shall dry-fold this model in the lesson, but Michael will advise about wet-folding should you wish to try it again on your own. Michael will briefly share a story of how he came to design this model. (It’s a story of an eight-year-old’s disappointment and heartbreak that would lead to serendipity and success decades later.)

Four very simple 1-piece vehicles, all made in a similar way. They take a 'theme and variation' approach to creativity, building idea on idea, technique on technique in a series of designs that are increasingly sophisticated, but still minimalistic.

During this workshop we will show as many origami tricks and recommendations to improve our teaching as the class time will allow.

This will not be a workshop, but some Ukrainian teachers will talk briefly about their work and their experiences in using origami during the war. Some teachers work outside the Ukraine, teaching students inside the country. Others teach refugee students from within the Ukraine, despite the problems with internet connection and even electricity.