Finding Fibonacci, Part 2

Grade Level:

Subject:

Math

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.A.1

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B.4

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.OA.A.1

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.OA.A.2

Tags:Fibonacci, Sequence, Nature, Math, Kindergarten

Number of canvases in this lesson plan:2

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Objectives

Students will develop these ENDURING UNDERSTANDINGS: Mathematical patterns occur in nature. Math is one way to understand nature. We can use math to make models of what we see in the world. Students will practice modeling with mathematics and counting with precision.

Students will investigate these ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS: How do we find out about the natural world? How can we look at the natural world through the lens of math?

Students will develop these TRANSFERABLE SKILLS: students will be able to make models using manipulatives; students will be able to generate hypotheses and collect evidence; students will be able to come up with a novel solution to a design problem.

Overview: Students will explore the Fibonacci sequence by building their own representation of the sequence from manipulatives, exploring its applications in nature, and designing their Fibonacci-inspired device to collect as much water possible in as little space as possible. In this lesson plan, students will explore the Fibonacci sequence application in nature by seeing if they can find Fibonacci numbers in pictures of succulents and tree branches.

Estimated time: five 45-minute classes. This is part II.

Activities

Activity

Ask students to try to reconstruct the Fibonacci sequence from what they remember from yesterday.
As a class, write it up on the board, or somewhere everyone can see.
Tell students they’ll be continuing their study of the Fibonacci sequence by exploring its applications in nature. They’re going to be looking at natural forms that are inspired by the Fibonacci sequence seeing if they can find how the Fibonacci sequence fits in.
Have students load up the Succulent and Leaf Chart canvas.
Ask students to fill out the Fibonacci sequence in nature worksheet.
Have students pair and share. The phyllotaxis chart will likely be confusing, so load it up in front of students and talk about it as a class.

Materials

Drawp for School

Canvases

Fibonacci Numbers Canvas
Fibonacci Succulent Image
Branch Leaf Chart

Evaluation

Follow-up / Evaluation

Have students tell you what patterns they noticed in the succulent and in the tree leaves.

As a next step, ask students to think about what other objects might display patterns inspired by Fibonacci. Students will go on to explore some of these objects tomorrow. Proceed to day 3!