In order to kick off the countdown to the Big Bang Fair in the UK, the fair collaborated with a group of young students at Tottenham UTC to build a real origami boat. Using hundreds of feet of paper, this boat was nearly 12' long and could acutally support the weight of an adult when it set sail in the water.
When the boat set sail on its "maiden voyage," the origami ship was captained by Morwenna Wilson, an award-winning mechanical engineer and a descendant of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. In his lifetime, Brunel was known for building dockyards, the Great Western Railway and some of the largest ships ever built in his time. In building an impressive paper boat that actually functions, this is a great science and history lesson for kids.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Origami Innovation
- There is an opportunity to explore innovative applications of origami techniques in various industries, such as architecture and fashion.
- STEAM Education
- The collaboration between the Big Bang Fair and students highlights the importance of integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics education.
- Mechanical Engineering Advancements
- The successful construction of a functional origami boat showcases potential advancements in mechanical engineering and materials science.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Architecture
- Origami techniques could be applied to create unique and flexible architectural structures.
- Fashion
- Origami-inspired fashion designs can offer new possibilities for creating dynamic and interactive clothing.
- Materials Science
- Exploring origami materials and techniques can lead to the development of lightweight and durable materials for various industries.
