Fourth graders in science and math class can combine their studies with an origami craft. One project for the entire class would be a three-dimensional swan. The swan is built by approximately 450 folded triangles. Fourth graders have the skills to count out the necessary triangle units and work together building. The triangular units start with a square piece of paper. Cut it into four equal rectangular strips. Fold a strip in half lengthwise. Open it up and fold in the two corners into the crease so it looks like a paper airplane. Turn it over and fold the other corners in toward the crease to create a square. Fold it down to create a triangle and then fold the right side onto the left to create a triangle unit. This is the basis of the swan. You can also find directions on websites such as Origami Resource Center and Paper Craft Central.
The holidays are an ideal time to work on paper-folding craft projects. Children can create hearts for Valentine's Day. Start the project with red 6-inch square paper. Place the paper so it looks like a diamond on your table. Fold the bottom up and crease the paper; open it up again. Fold the other way and open it up. You should have a cross-shaped crease. Fold down the top point to the center. Fold the bottom so the bottom point meets the top of the folded paper. Fold the right side to meet the center crease and then repeat on the left side. Turn it over and fold the right and left corners back about 1/2 inch to create your heart.
Most fourth graders are studying early American history in social studies, and working on paper-folding activities will enhance their studies. A hands-on activity would be a money folding project. Children would learn about the presidents and about American currency. An elephant or a shirt can be folded from the money. Lessons about the pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving can coincide with a paper-folding project to craft origami turkeys. DetaiIed instructions for these projects can be found on Origami Instructions and Origami Resource Center websites.
Fourth graders can craft gifts in the classroom with a paper-folding project. A simple origami project is folding a box. Start with a square piece of colored paper. Fold all of the corners into the center evenly. It should look like a diamond. Turn the paper over so you have a square. Fold the left and right sides into the center. Fold all four corners into the center. Gently open up the center area to pull out a box. Flatten the sides with your fingers and press down the creases to form the box. Repeat the instructions to make the accompanying lid.