We are always seeing mathematical patterns, problems, and formulas, especially when we're in nature.  In this Twisted Universe class I want to show all learners that math can help us see the world in new ways.  I will lead your child in activities throughout the course including:

~ Watching recordings of short lectures with PowerPoint visual aids (2-3 videos per week)
~ Learning and applying basic mathematical formulas and/or patterns and sharing through Nearpod
~ Discussing and sharing examples of the math concepts in nature by sharing ideas through the classroom and Nearpod
~ Using math and art skills together to create our own interpretation of nature and sharing our art with each other
~ Group discussion of ideas and projects with discussion boards and Flipgrid videos and responses

Topics of each class will be:

Week 1: Fibonacci Sequence: Learn about the Fibonacci Sequence by watching 2 recordings, use the Fibonacci Sequence to create a Mondrian-inspired piece of Pop art, find and share pictures of examples of the sequence either in the classroom or in Nearpod.

Week 2: Fractals: Learn about fractals and how they are found in nature by watching 2 recordings, drawing a  Koch snowflake by using a method of creating fractals, and discuss and share examples of fractals in the classroom or Nearpod.

Week 3: Hexagons: Learn about the different ways hexagons are found in nature by watching 2 recordings, creating a tessellation art project using hexagon model I will supply, and sharing and discussing examples in the classroom.

Week 4: Concentric Circles: Learn about concentric circles and how they are found in nature by watching 3 recordings, creating a Kandinsky-inspired art piece to show the beauty of concentric circles in nature, conducting an experiment to find pi in Flipgrid (optional) , and sharing examples of concentric circles you find in nature.

Week 5: Space Applications: Learn about Astronomical Units (AUs) that astronomers use to measure distance in the solar system by watching a recording, completing a small model of our solar system, and calculating the distance between planets for our model.

Please note: the focus of this class is on identifying mathematical concepts in nature and examining why they appear so frequently.  While we will be doing some calculations, most of class will be about the ways these concepts are found in nature.

~ Interactions with Classmates ~
Learners will have the opportunity to discuss the ways the math concepts can be found in nature, as well as ask and answer critical thinking questions in the classroom. 

~ Interactions with Teacher ~
Learners may share their artistic renditions of the concepts by posting them in the classroom. Learners may also share examples of places they have seen the math patterns in nature.  I will review everyone's responses and provide feedback at least twice a week. 

** This is a FLEX version of my live class Twisted Universe: Explore How Math Can Be Found in Nature (Summer Camp), which can be found with this link: https://outschool.com/classes/twisted-universe-explore-how-math-can-be-found-in-nature-R4H2NUox?usid=Gd2imyMW&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link