What a creative way for kids to make something to learn STEM skills with a splash of colour!
In this blog you will find a FREE printable with two sheets: OK!Dolls flextangle and a blank template for you to colour and create something
What is a flextangle
A flextangle is a type of flexagon. They get their name because they are able to be moved or flexed to change. They are usually made from paper, that can be folded in certain ways to produce a series of faces. There are different types of flexagons depending on how many faces appear and the shape of the flexagon.
In our OK!Dolls one we have made the faces actual faces of our dolls to help you see the difference. It isn’t quite a flextangle because they are usually flat shapes when folded – ours is 3d
Flexagons were originally created by Arthur Stone in 1939 when he was playign with a scrap of paper. His theory was published in The Scientific American and he went on to write a regular column sharing maths games.
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Lets make a flextangle!
You will need:
- free OK!Dolls printable & template
- paper or light card to print on
- felt tips
- white glue or tape (I don’t recommend glue stick as it wont be strong enough)
- scissors
Step 1. Cut out shape. If you are using the template – now is the time to draw your pattern. Use the guide at the top of the sheet to match
Step 2. Fold along the diagonal grey lines with the pictures back to back (this is important)
Step 3. Fold turn and fold along the diagonals the other way
Step 4. Fold along the dotted grey lines. This time fold with the pictures face to face
Step 5. Glue along triangles at the top. Spread to the edges of the triangles for a good stick
Step 6. GENTLY fold around so the small purple dots join with the large purple dots. Push down and leave for a minute or so to dry
Step 7. Glue along the small tabs at the end
Step 8. Slot them into the end of the shape. Push down and leave to dry for a minute
Gently turn your flextangle the first time to check that all the folds are correct.
Nows its your turn to design a flextangle with the blank template. I’d love to see what you come up with. Share your STEM creations with the tag #inspiredbyokdolls @okdollsau
Pop your details in below to get your FREE OK!Dolls Flextangle printables to magically appear in your inbox! Ta Da!
[By entering your email above you will receive our FREE activity emails, interviews with interesting women and bits about our dolls. We promise it’s not spammy and you can unsubscribe at any time]
STEM skills are used in a variety of careers – we designed the OK!Dolls STEM squad to inspire kids and fuel their passions. Plush dolls with bright illustrations show the amazing women in our communities being superheroes everyday.
