I was curious, so I analyzed the geometry of the peacock's tail-feather display. Turns out the shape is a symmetrical phyllotaxis, which is somewhat surprising. Most phyllotaxis patterns in nature (like on pinecones, pineapples and sunflowers) have spirals of adjacent Fibonacci numbers (usually 5, 8, 13 or 21), but the peacock's feathers have the same count of spirals in both directions!

Doodle Learning, creators of the Doodle Math app for kids, created fun printables to help your child explore math in nature.

In our sunflower unit today we’re exploring shapes and symmetry in nature. This is a great way to take math outdoors and give children a hands-on lesson in size, shape, and symmetry. Shapes and symmetry in nature using sunflowers Click here to download your copy of the Sunflower School curriculum and printables. […]

Children are more likely to remember concepts when they see a reason for using them. Here are some ideas for learning math with nature.

Symmetry is usually defined as a sense of "balanced proportions" or "the quality of having parts that match each other," especially in an attractive way. And, when you think about it, it is all around us. Whether we look at human beings, architecture, art, or biology, there’s nothing more fascinating than seeing how the world is full of perfect forms and harmony.

Math activities using natural materials just feel nicer! I really don’t like cutesy plastic bear pieces and similar items as manipulatives, they just don’t offer the same tactile experiences that reinforce math for hands-on learners, in my opinion. If you feel the same, then you’re going to love this collection of ideas. There are so

Have you ever noticed all the different math patterns you can find in nature? With this simple, yet fun lesson kids can learn to recognize patterns in nature - like the butterfly! :: www.inallyoudo.net

Do you notice math in the natural world? Do your kids? Learn about and explore the beauty of math in nature and then get outside to see it for yourself.