Hexaflexagons
How it works
A hexaflexagon is a strip of paper that is folded to make a hexagon in such a way that the hexagon can be pinched and opened (flexed) to reveal different faces. It’s possible to make hexaflexagons with different numbers of faces. For example, a trihexaflexagon is a hexaflexagon with 3 faces, and a hexahexaflexagon is a hexaflexagon with 6 faces.
In this activity, students make their own hexaflexagons and then explore them. For hexahexaflexagons, finding all the different faces requires some strategizing!
Hexahexaflexagon template (note: intended to be printed on tabloid (11” x 17”) paper)
Why we like this activity
- It’s fun! Students enjoy making, flexing, and exploring the hexaflexagons.
- It helps students develop algorithmic reasoning.
- It requires students to engage in mathematical habits of mind:
- Making observations / finding and using strategies when trying to find all the different faces of a hexaflexagon.
