Nature's Geometry

 

When you think of math, does nature come to mind? Think of all the shapes you find in nature – and maybe some you don’t find. Explore new dimensions of math by trying these activities about geometry in nature.

 

CONNECT:

• Start your tour of geometry in nature by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_q1z4k0o8A
• Why are bee honeycombs hexagonal (6-sided)? Find out at https://www.npr.org/sections/krulwich/2013/05/13/183704091/what-is-it-about-bees-and-hexagons
• Spirals are common shapes in nature – and they are mathematical in nature (pun intended). Find out how nature creates the Fibonacci sequence at http://www.montessori-blog.org/2017/08/29/geometry-in-nature-the-fibonacci-sequence/
• Explore the geometry of minerals at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkNM6666hG4,  and for teens see https://www.ted.com/talks/graham_baird_how_do_crystals_work/transcript?language=en

 

CREATE:

• Use this guide to find geometry for your next nature walk – even in the city: https://medium.com/purple-museum/finding-geometry-in-nature-797523737555
• Have fun in this geometry playground: http://annex.exploratorium.edu/geometryplayground/resources.php
• Create hexagonal paper snowflakes by following this video’s directions: http://youtube.com/watch?v=a3mpmly9b2o
• Can you make a cubic bubble? See how at https://www.rookieparenting.com/make-a-square-bubble/

 

CARE:

• Views of nature impact our mind, our feelings. See how biomorphic forms and patterns influence us at https://blog.interface.com/geometry-in-design/
• See how architects use geometry in landscaping, which helps enjoy nature’s geometry: https://land8.com/geometry-brings-out-the-best-in-landscape-architecture-at-the-earthly-pond-service-center/
• You can help others by uploading photos of your observations of geometry in nature to share on https://www.projectnoah.org/missions/37000089

 

CAREERS:

What jobs link nature and math? The most obvious career is photographer. But what about scientists, jewelers and landscapers? Check out the possibilities below. The benefits may be incalculable!

• http://passyworldofmathematics.com/jobs-with-geometry/
• http://theatlantic.com/education/archive/2014/10/10-creative-careers-that-use-science-and-math/382160/
• https://www.cooperhewitt.org/2019/12/11/the-geometry-of-nature/
• https://land8.com/wurth-la-rioja-museum-gardens-how-to-merge-geometry-with-nature/