For the first time in school, we were going to celebrate Pi() Day with a full-fledged event planned that included activities, games, food, music, and academia-associated interactions. My friend was already a part of it and later insisted, on joining. Earlier, I thought I wouldn’t be able to bring in anything and contribute to the event. However, a day into the planning of it, I was fully on board; I started bringing ideas, brainstorming, and collaborating with my peers regarding what kind of stall we could create. We eventually landed on the idea of the cut-and-fold theorem. Basically, it’s a mathematical theorem that states that any polygon with straight edges can be cut from a single sheet of paper by folding it flat and making a single straight complete cut. In layman’s terms, we could cut out any shape without tracing through its edges but by just one cut!

My participation in the event falls under the category of creativity. Even though the theorem was preestablished, we were challenged with the task of making the people at our stall understand it too and implement it then and there, in all but 15 minutes. We managed to print out multiple pre-made templates of shapes such as butterfly, starfish, tortoise, fish, heart, etc. Had a couple of scissors, rulers, pencils, and decorative materials lying around that were made use of by everyone that landed on our stall. All managed to understand the concept and work out getting the chosen shape in a single cut. From, the planning stage to the day of the event, the Los that were explored were Lo 1, 2, 3, and 5.

LO1- Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
I had always carried this weight on my shoulders that I would never survive in an event that was so heavily inclined towards mathematics. However, I was overjoyed towards the end of the event. I had so much fun conversing with everyone sitting with them, folding papers and discovering the versatility of mathematics. I was able to manage the crowd, help them with their shapes, cater to their doubts, and still manage to have fun. I was patient and respectful towards others and assisted them whenever they needed me.
LO2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills.
The event demanded certain level of creative thinking. The conditions were following, a participant will be at a stall for no more than 10-12 minutes; we are required to find an activity that incorporates mathematics but not in the conventional format(pen and paper); and involve the participant to celebrate the event and also learn something new. So, coming up with the fold and cut theorem itself was challenge. On top of that we ourselves performed the theorem to see whether is feasible and to what extent. Which again, included research skills to find resources of theorem online, commitment to test the theorem ourselves, and gather templates and other resources which can help the participants work as independently as possible. Therefore, existing skills were tested and new skills like being reflective and patience was acquired during the preparation of the event.
LO3 – Initiate and plan a CAS experience
Before, we actually did the event. We had multiple early-ins and meetings where we tried the fold-and-cut theorem by ourselves. We tried forming multiple letters, animals, and shapes. In the beginning, the shapes came out too wonky, or completely disproportionate. However, with patience and help, we reached a point where we were confident with the theorem. I faced a lot of issues with time management as I had my own submission in the midst of this event. So, my commitment towards the event fell short.

LO5 – Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively.
Lastly, I built a positive purview towards mathematics. I was a typical child who cribbed about struggling in math and chose any subject over it when asked. So, this event helped me look at the subject above the assessment part of it. I acquired the skill of ethical collaboration. Several times, I realized that the workload was way more on my partner’s shoulders than mine. As soon as I realized that I changed my attitude and was more careful in accounting my peers’ obligations. In the end, the event turned out to be way better than my expectations and was a total success.