The Impossible Loop - Make a Double Möbius Strip

A Möbius strip is a loop with one side and one edge. It's made by twisting a strip of paper 180 degrees and taping the ends together. There's no obvious difference between inside and outside. If you draw a line around the centre of the paper, it'll cross over to the other side, and you'll end up back where you started.

You'll need

Paper

scissors

Tape

How to make a double Möbius strip

Cut two strips of paper about 30cm long and 2 cm wide, although the size isn't too important.

First, make a single loop.

Take one end of the strip and twist it once. Tape the ends together. This is a Möbius strip.

Cut down the middle of the strip to form a magic loop. This is a loop with two twists!

Make a double loop

This time, twist the strip twice before taping the ends together.

Cut down the middle of the strip to create two linked loops of paper.

Did you know

The Möbius strip was discovered in 1858 by two German mathematicians independently of each other.

A Möbius loop is used in the commonly used image for recycling, indicating that an item can be recycled!

More easy science experiments using paper

Learn about gravity and air resistance with paper spinners.

Design and build a paper aeroplane launcher.

Learn about strong shapes with paper towers.

Or, try one of my easy printable paper science experiments! This free download comes with six easy science experiments that mostly just use the paper they are printed on!