Mobius Strip (April 4-7)

We explored the simplest geometric shape with one face and one edge.  The paradox is that this is a three dimensional polyhedra. It has revolutionized belts for engines and has been used to define black holes. I proved to the children that a conventional fan belt in an engine or computer only uses one side of the belt and wares out quickly.  A Mobius belt uses twice the surface area and lasts twice as long.

It may be replicated by taking a strip of paper or ribbon, turning one side 180 degrees long ways and attaching the two ends. You can prove that it has one side by drawing a line down the middle and watching how they come together without ever taking your hand off the paper.

Fun with Mobius Strips can be had by attempting different cuts down the middle of a strip.  Such as a half cut, and then a half cut again and again. Even more interesting is a one third cut which creates a completely different outcome.

The children should explore differnent ways of making Mobius strips out of various material such as duct tape.  Can they make Mobius clothing?

Have fun and bring in your creations and theories about what we could do with Mobius strips.

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