Math in Nature

Overview

Mathematics is an important concept, and has been practiced for many years. Math is all around and you may not even notice.

Math shows up in nature in a lot of ways. There are certain number sequences and ratios that constantly show up in nature. Symmetries are in nature, often there is a vertical line of symmetry on most flowers. Through out our Math in Nature module, we will be looking at the sequences, ratios, and symmetries that are evident in nature. We will also learn how to estimate the number of dandelions in a given area, as well as making a Humming bird feeder.

Activity 1: Hummingbird Feeder

This activity gives us an insight into using measurements, timing, and boiling temperatures. This activity will give us an understanding of how to make a hummingbird feeder, as well as the nectar.

Have a look at the activity below and give it a try, all while feeding your local hummingbirds.

Humming-Bird-Feeder

There are many stories about the Hummingbird in cultures around the world. The Haida of what is now called BC tell a story of a hummingbird that is similar to the story told in the video below.

Hummingbird always tries to do its best. Ask someone you know what hummingbirds mean to them.

Activity 2: Searching for Symmetry

Symmetry is a word mathematicians use to talk about how things can be folded onto themselves (reflective symmetry) or turned around to create the same image (rotational symmetry). The activity below gives an introduction to what symmetry is and some places it can be found. Symmetry is found in a lot of places, basically anywhere you can split something with a line and it is identical in all areas.

Try this activity to learn about some of the different kinds of symmetries.

https://mathigon.org/course/transformations/symmetry

Now that we have an idea about the types of symmetry. Try the activity in the pdf below.

Searching-for-Symmetry

Activity 3: Fibonacci Numbers

This activity gives an introduction to the Fibonacci numbers. The sequence of the Fibonacci numbers is a recursive sequence where you add the previous two numbers to get the next number starting with 0 and 1.

Try this activity below, to learn about how nature is efficient.

Fibonacci-Sequence

Activity 4: Estimating Dandelions

This activity gives us an introduction to the importance and benefits of Dandelions, using the skills learned in the activity we should be able to get a good estimate of how many dandelions are in a given area.

To start we need to find our pacing factor, watch the video below to get an idea on how to find your pacing factor.

Try the activity below to learn more about estimating dandelions in a given area.

Estimating-Dandelions-

More About The Fibonacci Numbers

The Golden Ratio is a ratio created by dividing one Fibonacci number by the next in the series. These Fibonacci numbers consist of a series of numbers where the next unit is created by adding the previous two. So if we started with 1 and 1. Our series would look like: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89 … if you divide any two large consecutive units you get the golden ratio. The actual ratio is 1.610833

The Golden Ratio is evident in a lot of places, try this activity below and watch the videos included to learn more about the golden ratio.