Fractal Christmas Card

We've been studying fractals with the Kaleidoscope Cooperative for Science and Math. As part of that study, we explored Sierpinski's Triangle, a fractal in which equilateral triangle shapes are removed according to a specific set of rules, forming a repeating pattern.

I wanted to extend the 2D version we made in class to a 3D project. Luckily, I found the Fractal Foundation and their instructions to create a triangle fractal cutout. By making repeated cuts in folded paper you can create a shape similar to a Sierpinski's triangle. And when you're done, it looks like a Christmas tree. Which makes it a most excellent holiday card!

The kids had a great time making these, but I wanted a little more refined version for my nerdier friends and family members. So I pulled out my craft supplies. For this project you need: colored cardstock, a ruler, a pencil, scissors, a glue stick, a star punch, an embossing folder and embosser, and assorted inks.

I started by cutting a piece of green cardstock to 8.5 x 5.5 inches. I folded this in half to create a 4.25 x 5.5 inch card. Using my ruler I marked the middle of the card and drew a line from the folded side to midway across.

Then I cut along the line, folded one section away from the folded edge and creased well. Then I unfolded the flap and inverted the tab, pushing the fold inwards.

Refolding the paper, and tucking the tab inside, I once again used my ruler to measure the halfway point on each of the side "steps." I drew a line halfway across the step. Then it was cut, fold, invert.

 I repeated the cycle once more. After this point the paper was too thick to fold and cut neatly. I you used copy or origami paper you might be able to get more detail.

Once all the tabs were done, I used the edge of my ruler to crease them really well. Then I un-inverted the folds to flatten the paper and ran the card through an embosser. I also trimmed the paper by 1/4" all around and inked the edges. When that was done, I carefully refolded the tabs to create the pattern and sprayed the front with gold ink.

I cut a piece of red cardstock to 8.5 x 5.5 inches, folded it into a 4.5 x 5.5 inch card and embossed that as well, inking the edges when it was done.

I applied glue to the back of the triangle tree and carefully attached it to the inside of the red card, pressing down well and being sure to center the green card. I punched a little star from yellow cardstock, folded it in half and used the glue to attach it to the top of the tree. I then decorated the front of the card with some scrap green cardstock and another yellow star.

All I need to do is add a cheery sentiment and this card is ready to add a bit of geek chic to someone's Christmas.

On Homeschooling...

In 2007, the National Household Education Surveys Program (NHES), conducted by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), determined that 2.9%, or over 1.5 million, school-aged children were being homeschooled in America.1 It is now thought that the number has risen to over 2 million (the same number that attend charter schools) and continues to grow. Between just 2007 and 2010 the number of children being homeschooled rose by 7%. (By comparison, over the same time period, children enrolled in schools increases by 1%).2

So clearly, homeschooling is an important trend, but who's doing it and why? Data from the U.S. Department of Education shows that homeschooling families come in all races, religions, ethnicities, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds, though the majority so still come from white, well-educated, middle-class homes. The top three reasons for home schooling given? In order of popularity: Concern about the school environment, to provide religious or moral instruction, and dissatisfaction with the academic instruction available at other schools.3

Debates rage about whether homeschooled students are socialized enough, are monitored enough, test well enough and are prepared enough for college. Generally, the public tends towards concern that homeschooling is not regulated in many states and the National Education Association has officially come out against home-based education. However, recent studies are starting to indicate that homeschooled students may have more of an academic leg up than previously thought. One recent study indicated that on average, homeschooled students scored 37 percentile points above public school students on standardized achievement tests, but it has been argued that there is no way to be sure if that is because of the students themselves of the way they were educated.4

Regardless, homeschooling has carved out its place in the American educational system, with every state hosting at least one homeschooling association and public programs cropping up more and more regularly.5 Through museums, theaters, clubs, sports, events, co-ops and other venues, today's homeschoolers have more support and more educational opportunities than any other time in history.

This is one reason Kaleidoscope is launching its Science and Math Cooperative this fall. We have many amazing homeschooling families in our community, and with the new coop we'll be able to create a wonderful opportunity for our homeschooled kids to learn together.