Unlock the mathematical mysteries of our complex natural world with an exploration into the intersection of science and math

OVERVIEW
This activity helps build appreciation for the complex structures found in the natural world.
Examining the design of a simple fern or pine cone can unlock the mysteries of the universe.
Once your young scientist sees how math and science converge in nature, they will never look
at a flower, tree branch, or snowflake in the same way again!

OBJECTIVES
Students will be able to:
• Identify patterns in nature.
• Share examples of patterns in nature.
• Find the area of various household objects.
• Use math to determine if a pattern follows the fibonacci sequence.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Make sure facts are updated and correct
Scientific and mathematical patterns are everywhere you look. Count the number of petals
on a flower and you’ll see that most follow the Fibonacci sequence, also known as “Nature’s
numbering system.” The first two Fibonacci numbers are 0 and 1, and each remaining number is the sum of the previous two. Can you see the pattern in these numbers? 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89,144 (0 + 1 = 1, 1 + 1 = 2, 1 + 2 = 3, 2 + 3 = 5, and so on…)

Many things in nature are shaped in spirals that follow the Fibonacci sequence. Patterns of
spirals can be found in seeds and leaves. Pinecones, pineapples and the seeds in the center of
a sunflower are other examples. If you look closely, you’ll see they have one set of spirals going in a clockwise direction, and a second set of spirals going counterclockwise. If you count the spirals, you’ll see the two sets add up to two adjacent Fibonacci numbers.

Another common pattern in nature is a fractal. The exact same shape is replicated in a process called “self similarity.” The pattern repeats itself over and over again at different scales. For example, a tree grows by repetitive branching. This same kind of branching can be seen in lightning bolts and the veins in your body. Examine a single fern or an aerial view of an entire river system and you’ll see fractal patterns.

Grades 3 – 5