Introduction Mathematics is all around us! If we study our environment we can see that nature can be described mathematically. The beauty of a flower, the majesty of a mountain, and even microscopic particles exhibit nature’s mathematical wonders. Let’s take time to discuss and explore the concepts of math in nature. Time for notes! Divide your notebook into the Cornell format for note taking. Record the key words and definitions found in this slide show. Draw pictures to help your memory. Geometrical Shapes Spheres ■ Cones ■ Polyhedra ■ Can you think of more shapes and examples? SYMMETRY IN NATURE ■ SYMMETRY IS FOUND THROUGHOUT THE WORLD OF NATURE. ■ Definition: When two or ■ more parts are identical after a flip, slide, turn, or refelction. Examples: Butterfly wings, flowers. SYMMETRY IN NATURE ■ TRANSLATIONS Translational symmetry, such as repeating tiles or wallpaper patterns, means that a particular translation of an object to another location does not change its pattern. SYMMETRY IN NATURE ■ ■ REFLECTIONS-One half is a reflection of the other half. (Also called line or bilateral symmetry.) ROTATIONS-The object or image can be turned around a center point and match itself some number of times. PATTERNS ■ FIBONACCI SEQUENCE The Fibonacci sequence, one of the most famous mathematical formulas, exhibits a certain numerical pattern. PATTERNS ■ ■ BRANCHINGBranching is a growth pattern found everywhere in the natural world. FRACTALS-A fractal is a pattern that the laws of nature repeat at different scales. PHI: THE GOLDEN RATIO 1.6180339 A NATURAL BALANCED PROPORTION SPIRALS, PACKING EXPLOSIONS Math in Action! Watch the video of a spider spinning its web. How many mathematical concepts are observed? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNtSAQHNONo Homework Use the Organized List (Tree Diagram) strategy to solve the homework problem. Use the recording sheet to show your work.
