Fighting Chaos The Nature of Geometry

http://www.perfectionlearning.com/math-overview
Fighting Chaos:
The Nature of Geometry

Essential Questions
• What are examples of geometry appearing in the
natural world?
• What is meant by the saying that “geometry helps
make sense of the world”?
Enrichment: What is Chaos Theory? What is your opinion regarding the Butterfly
Effect? Why do you think that we as human beings crave order? Or do we? Why
are we “wired” to be so curious? Or are we?
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perfectionlearning.com
Math is a Global Competency
• What are ways that we can practice and apply
these concepts?

What are examples of geometry appearing
in the natural world?

25 Examples of Perfect Geometry Found in Nature
Shapes, Patterns, Order, Structure…
Jeff Hawkins, in his book On Intelligence,
writes, "Your brain receives patterns from the
outside world, stores them as memories, and
makes predictions by combining what it has seen
before and what is happening now... Prediction is
not just one of the things your brain does. It is
the primary function of the neo-cortex, and the
foundation of intelligence." “A Hunger for Certainty” by David Rock

Developing a Concrete Understanding of Mathematics
Nature Walk…. Collect examples of objects that you find at school, home, and
your community that are representative of geometry in nature. Bring them to
class for further investigation.
• Pair-Share examples of the objects that you found. What makes these
objects concrete examples of geometry? What shape(s) is (are)
represented? Why?
• Choose your favorite example of geometry found in nature to share
with the class. Why was this item chosen? What makes it the best
concrete example of geometry found in nature?
• Choose the worst example of geometry found in nature to share with
the class. Why were these chosen? Why was this item chosen? What
makes it the worst concrete example of geometry found in nature?

Write a Compare and Contrast Essay
As a class, compile a list of characteristics that are similar and
different based on the information that was discussed
regarding the best and worst examples of geometry in nature.
• How are they alike?
• How are they different?
Use a Venn Diagram like the one found on the next slide to
record your findings.
Extend: Writing Across the Curriculum

Object 1 Object 2SAME
Different Different

What can you deduce based on your findings?
Please write this information down in your
science journal. Remember to put this
information in a format that will best inform
your writing. It doesn’t necessarily have to
be in sentence format.
Next, using the notes you took in your
science journal, write your compare and
contrast essay.

Developing a Visual Understanding of Mathematics
Sketch your examples of geometry in nature that you found on your nature walk.
• Best example of geometry in nature that you found:

Identify Patterns and shapes that influenced your decision.

Sketch your examples of geometry in nature that you found on your nature walk.
• Worst example of geometry in nature that you found:

Identify Patterns and shapes that influenced your decision.
• Worst example of geometry in nature that you found:

Sketch these examples.
• Do you agree with these findings? Why or why not? Be prepared to explain.

In the photography that follows, questions regarding
size, shape, and relative position of figures and with
properties of space can be answered.
Be prepared to answer how, when, where, and why to defend your observations.

Geometry Helps Make Sense of the World
Yes
No
Debate the Issue:
• Divide into teams composed of groups of 3-5.
Make sure you have an equal number of teams.
• Choose a Team Name based on whether you
believe or do not believe the statement above.
• Two teams will face off against each other.
• Team One: We believe that geometry does help
make sense of the world.
• Team Two: We do not believe that geometry
does help make sense of the world.
• Make sure to provide proof of your stand.
No
Yes

Developing an Abstract Understanding of Mathematics
Applications for utilizing math in the “real world” is critical for you to develop a
deep understanding and appreciation of math and how it impacts your daily life.
Distance Learning is a great way to explore this concept, and it gives you the
opportunity to be introduced to people whose careers depend on their
understanding of math. Through live, interactive lessons, you will be able to
explore mathematical concepts as they relate to the following locations:
More virtual field trips available at www.fieldtripzoom.com

Mathimals
How much hay do you need to feed
seven elephants? Can you draw an animal
exhibit design to scale? This interactive
program will include videos, live animals,
and hands-on activities that
demonstrate the importance of math in
the Zoo world. Please specify grade
level and concepts being studied when
requesting the program.
Over 400 programs from highly recognizable providers around the world!
Join Kimberly Hoormann, Outreach
Coordinator, at the zoo in St. Louis, MO, for
a live, interactive lesson!
www.fieldtripzoom.com

Geometry in Nature
Did you know that math is fundamental
to the shape and structure of seashells,
honeycombs, and leaves? Investigate the
natural patterns found all around us.
Located in historic Liberty State Park,
neighboring the Statue of Liberty and
across the river from Lower Manhattan,
Liberty Science Center first opened its
doors in 1993.
Join Fanny Cruz for a live, interactive lesson at
the Liberty Science Center Jersey City, NJ!

In this one hour, interactive program,
students utilize the sport of baseball and
playing field to identify and investigate the
many shapes that make up the game. AT&T
Park provides the perfect backdrop to
illustrate the importance and application of
geometric concepts in both its construction
and design. Dependent upon grade level,
students will calculate either perimeter or
area of home plate and discover how the
Pythagorean Theorem can be applied to the
baseball diamond.
Join Linda Vessa, Educational Tours
Coordinator, at the AT&T Park: Home of the
San Francisco Giants Baseball Team!
𝑎2
+ 𝑏2
= 𝑐2

Math Connections in Art
Students are introduced to the work of American
painter and printmaker Chuck Close and learn to
apply math concepts and skills used by the artist
to transfer photographic images to another
working surface. Using photos of themselves,
students will measure, grid, and reproduce their
portrait as a painting or pencil rendering that may
be finished later at home or in the classroom.
Concepts such as ratio, percent, and area are
reinforced.
Join Dale Hilton at the Cleveland Museum of
Art for a live, interactive lesson!

Circling the Bases
Examine how geometric concepts,
such as circumference, area,
perimeter and diameter apply to
baseball. Students play an
interactive baseball game to test
their skills!
Join Bruce Markusen, Manager of Digital and
Outreach Learning, at the National Baseball
Hall of Fame live from Cooperstown, NY, for
an interactive lesson!

Enrichment:
What is Chaos Theory? What is your opinion
regarding the Butterfly Effect? Why do you think
that we as human beings crave order? Or do we?
Why are we “wired” to be so curious? Or are we?

Describe how this picture makes you feel?

Develop an innovative project based on your research
into Chaos Theory and the Butterfly Affect
 Peters Projects.....
 The Creators Project....A True STEAM Initiative
 Chaos and Fractals
Getting Started:
 The New England Complex System Institute...Solving Problems of Science and Society
 Frogly Speaking: When Pop Culture Meets the Butterfly Affect

Article by Timothy J. Seppala
Robotic Vines Illustrate Chaos Theory and the Butterfly Effect
THE CREATIVITY, ART, AND TECHNOLOGY
OF RYAN WOLFE

Complimentary Resources Brought to You By:
• Asiasociety.org
• List 25 (post by Elaine Dimdam)
• FieldTripZoom.com
• Flavorwire (article by Alison Nastasi)
• Peters Projects (Ryan Wolfe—artist)
• The Creation Project
• The New England Complex System Institute
• Perfection Learning
• Frogly Speaking
• Moore4Education (photographs and Power Point by Kim Moore)
Thank you for your contribution to the knowledge of children everywhere!
:

Fighting Chaos The Nature of Geometry

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