Project Overview
This project guides you through creating a captivating kinetic curling paper sculpture. When the top edge is opened, the entire sculpture gracefully curls inward, resembling a tentacle or a fern leaf. It's an engaging STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) activity.
Materials Needed
- Cardstock (AstroBrites 65lb paper recommended) - 6 pages total
- Printer
- Scissors
- Tape (Scotch tape used in example)
Instructions
Step 1: PRINT
Print the attached PDF template file. It is crucial to print the template TWICE, as you will need two identical sets for each side of the sculpture.
Download Template: Kinetic Curling Paper Sculpture Template PDF
Step 2: CUT
Carefully cut out each small hexagon shape from the printed templates. It is advisable to work on one side of the sculpture at a time to avoid confusion. The shapes are numbered, and these numbers are essential for assembly.
Visual Description: The image shows pink cardstock with several trapezoidal shapes drawn on it, outlined in black marker. Some shapes are numbered (e.g., 6, 8, L, 5, 12). Pink scissors are positioned over one of the shapes.
Step 3: TAPE (First Side)
Begin assembling one side of the sculpture. The instruction is to tape the RIGHT edge of piece #1 to the LEFT edge of piece #2. Note that the numbers are consistently located in the bottom left corner of each piece.
Continue this taping process sequentially: tape #3 to #2, then #4 to #3, and so on, until you tape piece #18 to piece #17. While precision is not paramount, trim any excessively uneven edges as you go. The closer the two sides are to being identical, the better the final kinetic effect will be.
Visual Description: A close-up image shows clear tape being applied to join the edges of two pink paper pieces. The edges are angled, and small numbers are visible on the paper.
Step 4: REPEAT
Repeat the cutting and taping process described in Steps 2 and 3 to create the second complete curly section of the sculpture. You should now have two identical, curved pieces.
Visual Description: A person is shown holding two pink paper pieces, preparing to tape them together.
Step 5: TAPE (Joining Sides)
Lay the two completed curls on top of each other. Ensure that the sides with the numbers are facing upwards on both pieces. Tape the bottom edges of these two curls together securely. The method described involves placing tape on the top piece, slightly lifting it, and then folding the tape over to secure both pieces.
Visual Description: A close-up shows two pink paper curls aligned. Tape is being applied to join their bottom edges.
Step 6: FINISHED!
To activate the kinetic sculpture, hold the largest part of the assembled structure. Slowly open the two pieces. The sculpture will then curl inward towards you, demonstrating its kinetic property.
Visual Description: The initial image on page 1 shows the completed pink paper sculpture, which has a heart-like or spiral shape.
STEAM Elements
- SCIENCE: Explores kinetic movement and natural forms like plants/ferns.
- TECHNOLOGY: Considers potential applications for this type of structure.
- ENGINEERING: Involves constructing with paper and using movable bonds (tape).
- ART: Focuses on the aesthetic appeal and creative potential of the sculpture.
- MATH: Utilizes hexagons of descending sizes and geometric principles.
Visual Description: The final page includes a small icon that resembles a checkmark (☑) next to the text "Looks like a great project!".
Additional Resources
For a visual demonstration, you can view a video of the process:
Watch Video: Kinetic Curling Paper Sculpture Video
Cardstock Information
The recommended cardstock is AstroBrites, 65lb weight. This paper is acid-free and lignin-free.
Visual Description: The image shows the packaging for AstroBrites cardstock, highlighting colors like Martian Green, Cosmic Orange, Fireball Fuchsia, Lift-Off Lemon, and Lunar Blue. It specifies the weight as 176 g/m² (65 lb).
Yours for the making
