ねじれた宇宙: 自然界に数学が見つかる仕組みを探る (サマーキャンプ)

Whether your child loves or hates math, this class is for you!  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 children that math can help us see the world in new ways.  I will lead your child in activities throughout the week including:

~ Short lectures with PowerPoint visual aids
~ Learning and applying basic  mathematical formulas
~ Discussing and sharing examples of the math concepts in nature
~ Using math and art skills together to create our own interpretation of nature
~ Group discussion of ideas and projects
~ Watching short video clips to see examples of concepts

Topics of each class will be:

Day 1: Fibonacci Sequence: Learn about the Fibonacci Sequence by watching a brief slideshow, use the Fibonacci Sequence to create a Mondrian-inspired piece of Pop art.

Day 2: Fractals: Learn about fractals and how they are found in nature by watching a brief slideshow, draw a  Koch snowflake by using a method of creating fractals.

Day 3: Hexagons: Learn about the different ways hexagons are found in nature by watching a brief slideshow, watch a demonstration to create natural hexagons (can be repeated on own after class), create a tessellation art project using hexagon model I will supply.

Day 4: Concentric Circles: Learn about concentric circles and how they are found in nature by watching a brief slideshow, count and measure tree rings to explore mathematical properties of concentric circles, create a Kandinsky-inspired art piece to show the beauty of concentric circles.

Day 5: Space Applications: Learn about Astronomical Units (AUs) that astronomers use to measure distance in the solar system, complete a small model of our solar system, calculate the distance between planets in AUs.

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.