A committed student, Wataru Takada is enrolled in advanced physics, statistics, pre-calculus, and math research courses at the Bronx High School of Science. As part of his studies, Wataru Takada recently completed a project titled Properties of an Apollonian Gasket.An Apollonian gasket is an abstract mathematical simulation, known as a fractal, composed of three circles that are each tangent to one another. Additional circles can be added, as long as each new circle is tangent to two other circles. Mr. Takada's Apollonian gasket project was awarded a silver medal at the March 2017 Greater New York Math Fair, an annual fair that invites area high school students to submit mathematics research projects and writings. Projects by advanced junior high students may be considered as well. The region’s largest student research event for mathematics, it maintains four separate levels of competition. - Level 1 is designed for students enrolled in geometry coursework.- Level 2 is designed for students attending non-honors Algebra 2 or trigonometry classes.- Level 3 is designed for students studying honors Algebra 2, pre-calculus, or trigonometry.- The highest, Level 4, is designed for students who are enrolled in or have passed calculus. For additional information on the event, visit www.nycmathfair.com.
A student at The Bronx High School of Science, Top Honor math tutor Wataru Takada is preparing to apply for college. A research assistant within his school’s Math Research Program, the accomplished student loves learning and studying math. Wataru Takada also enjoys origami and has been practicing the paper-folding art since middle school.Origami paper can technically be cut from anything, but many individuals prefer buying the paper instead of worrying about getting the right dimensions. Below are some of the many types of origami paper available:- Kami: Also know as standard origami paper, kami features a white back and a solid pattern or color on the front. Most kami paper is between 60 to 63 grams per square meter (gsm), meaning it is quite thin and, thus, folds relatively easily. It is a cheap paper that is perfect for beginners focusing on simple pieces.- Washi: Made using long plant fibers, washi is a traditional Japanese paper that often features Japanese designs. This type of origami paper is of very high quality and extremely durable. However, its thickness can make folding more difficult, and it is much more expensive. Individuals who want traditional Japanese paper can also look for chiyogami and yuzen paper.- Foil: Measuring at about 50 gsm, foil paper has an extremely smooth texture and features a metallic look. While this type of paper folds very well, it makes any folding mistake very easy to see and can make finished products look strange if the white back is showing through anywhere. Still, it holds up well over time and provides a unique look to an origami piece.
