Fibonacci Nature Hunt
Search for spirals and number patterns outdoors, then graph your findings.
Materials
- Notebook
- Pencil
- Phone camera (optional)
Steps
- Review Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, …).
- Hunt for examples (pinecones, flowers, shells).
- Record counts and locations; graph totals back in class.
What’s happening (the science)
- Plant structures often follow growth rules tied to optimization (phyllotaxis).
- Graphing connects math patterns to real‑world data.
Safety & cleanup
- Leave plants undisturbed; take photos instead of picking.
- Be mindful of allergies and terrain.
Tip: Extend this activity by asking students to measure, graph, or compare versions (e.g., different designs or variables).