Julekurv AKA Valentine Basket
This unit is adapted from a lesson, Julekurv, in Kraus,
Marina C. (2000). Multicultural
Mathematics Materials, 2nd Edition.
The julekurv is a Norwegian Christmas basket which is usually made from straw or a flexible high-gloss paper. Norwegians hang these baskets filled with sweets on their Christmas trees. But because they are heart-shaped, they also make nice Valentine baskets.
Materials.
· 2 rectangular strips of different colored construction paper, 2 inches by 6 inches (we used red and white). By trial and error we learned that origami paper, which is smooth and glossy, is easier to work with than typing paper.
· ruler
· scissors
· compass
· patience!
Make this pattern on each rectangle: two half-circles (radius one inch) and two squares (with side lengths of two inches). Use a compass to draw the half circles. On each square, draw three horizontal segments, one-half inch apart, and each four inches long, and cut along the three segments. (You can do this to both rectangles at the same time.)
Orient the two folded pieces as shown. We label them X and Y.
To weave the two pieces together:
1. Place A inside 1, 2 inside A, A inside 3, and 4 inside A. One row is woven. Slide this row to the top of the three line segment cuts in piece X.
2. Place 1 inside B, B inside 2, 3 inside B, and B inside 4.
3. Place C inside 1, 2 inside C, C inside 3, and 4 inside C.
4. Place 1 inside D, D inside 2, 3 inside D, and D inside 4.
5. Attach a handle.
Of course you can design baskets with different dimensions (e.g., 4 inches by 12 inches), and with different numbers of weaving strips! You can also try other kinds of paper.
Webpage and Flash Animation Developed by Aous Manshad
Last Modified: January 28, 2008