Origami, German Bell, Math, Geometry

Origami or artistic paper folding is an engaging math-art activity. There are so many ideas one can learn in an origami task, from words, shapes, spatial thinking, symmetry, fractions, to proportionality. However, most origami projects do not lend themselves to 3D design or printing.

The German Bell is one of the few that I have tried to make a 3D-designed model of. It works very well with PLA or flexible filament. Once the template is printed, removed with a spatula, please GENTLY fold the square along all the grooves, trying not to fold them completely, though. Once the creases are flexible, squeeze the four corners and allow them to come together SLOWLY. Meanwhile, push the bottom out a little bit. There you go -- a German Bell. It is an entry-level 3D design project as a complement to the traditional paper model.

The thicker versions may work better, depending on the filament.