The Art, Math, and Science of Triflexahexagons

I have wanted to try this lesson ever since SchoolArts published Phyllis Levine Brown's article, The Art, Math, and Science of Triflexahexagons. I finally got the chance with a teacher's inservice for the Cincinnati Public Schools.

The Triflexahexagon was invented by Princeton graduate student Arthur Stone in 1939. It has three faces that change as the figure is flexed. It can seem quite magical!

Start with a 3 1/2" x 22" strip of heavy white drawing paper, carefully cut on a cutting board. Accuracy of measurement is very important here. Mark with pencil every 4" across the top. On the bottom first measure 2" and then 4" across the paper.

Using a ruler and a ball point pen, connect the pencil marks diagonally. Cut off the right triangles at each end. Score all the lines and fold them back and forth.

Lay the paper in front of you as shown. Fold the first three triangles on the left to the back.

Fold the last 4 triangles to the front, slipping the next to last triangle under the first triangle.

Fold the last triangle at the bottom up over the first and secure it in place, using double-sided tape or glue.

Pinch together two adjacent triangles that have an opening between them, pushing the crease up. Push the opposite side down and into the center. Decorate each face separately, using colored pencil or watercolor markers. Permanent markers will bleed through the paper so don't use those.

If you have your students make triflexahexagons, please send me some photos to share! nwalkup@davisart.com