How to make an origami cup
A paper cup you can open and use. Five folds turn a square into a little cup that holds sweets, beads or counters – and, for a short time, even water.
- Easy
- Age 5+
- About 5 minutes
- 6 steps
- No scissors
Lesson at a glance
- You need
- A square of paper. No scissors or glue.
- Time
- About 5 minutes
- Level
- Easy · age 5+
- How to teach it
- Show the 3D folder on the board and pause after each step, or print the step sheet for each table. Both show the same folds.
Finished!
Step 1 of 6Place the square like a diamond, white side up. Fold the bottom corner up to the top corner to make a triangle.
Keys: left and right arrows go back and forward, Space plays or pauses, R plays the step again, B shows the back. On the 3D picture, the arrow keys turn it and + and − zoom.
How to fold a cup: step by step
You need: one square of paper, 15 cm (6 inches) is ideal. Origami paper is easiest. To make a square from A4 or US Letter paper without scissors, fold one corner down to the opposite edge, crease the leftover strip firmly both ways and tear it off slowly.
Place the square like a diamond, white side up. Fold the bottom corner up to the top corner to make a triangle.
Fold the left corner across so its point touches the right edge and its top edge is level.
Fold the right corner across in the same way, so its point touches the left edge.
Fold the front top flap down over the front of the cup.
Fold the back top flap down behind the cup.
Gently squeeze the sides to open the top of the cup. Your cup is finished!
Finished!
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What kids learn
- Shapes: square, triangle and a 3-D cup from a flat sheet.
- Measuring: how many counters or cubes fit in the cup?
- Materials: why does a paper cup hold water for a short time only?
- Following instructions: five steps in the right order.
Classroom tips for teachers
- Math: estimate how many cubes or counters the cup holds, then count. Compare cups made from small and big squares.
- Science: test the cup with a little water over a tray. Time how long until it leaks, then try waxed paper.
- Sorting: use cups as sorting pots for small objects in a math lesson.
- Check the corners: the side corners should touch the opposite edge with the top edge level. If the cup is wonky, unfold and try again.
- SEND tips: use bigger squares and pre-crease the first diagonal.
Standards links
- Math (K.MD.A.2): compare which holds more – your cup or a partner’s.
- Math (K.G.A.2, K.G.B.5): name shapes and build a 3-D object from a flat one.
- Science (NGSS 2-PS1-2): test paper and waxed paper to see which suits a cup best.
- Engineering (NGSS K-2-ETS1-2): make a model and show how its shape helps it work.
Links to the Common Core State Standards, NGSS and the National Core Arts Standards. Check against your own state’s standards.
Safety
No scissors or glue are needed. Do not drink from paper cups made in class, and test with water only over a tray.
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Frequently asked questions
Can an origami cup hold water?
Yes, for a short time. Thicker or waxed paper lasts longer. Always test over a tray.
How do I make the cup open?
Push gently on the two sides, or put a finger inside between the front layers and the back layers.