Month:
What geometric patterns can we identify on a leaf?
- September 9
A mathematical pattern is any sort of repeated property - something occurs frequently in nature! Taking a look at magnolias in particular, we identify branching patterns in leaf veins, and their degree of sub-level repetition. This allows us to understand various geometric concepts. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant DRL 2115393. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s)... CONTINUE READING
What determines where leaves are positioned on branches?
- September 9
Leaves are what plants use to gather sunlight, necessary for plants to grow and thrive. This means that it is to a plant's advantage if their leaves' position is such that all leaves receive the most possible sunlight - minimizing overlaps and shadow wherever possible! Different plants use different strategies and arrangements to make this happen, though there are some common trends across many different species. By using a protractor to measure the angles between leaves, we can tease out some o... CONTINUE READING
Is there anything mathematical about a visual pattern like the giraffe coat pattern?
- September 9
The spots on a giraffe's coat are made up of various geometric patterns,. Each giraffe has their own unique pattern of spots; additionally, each type of giraffe has their own pattern-determining rules. Properties of these patterns, and differences between them, are discussed, as well as how these differences can be used to identify different types of giraffe. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant DRL 2115393. Any opinions, findings, and conclus... CONTINUE READING
What are Color Equations?
- September 9
Join Dr. Glen Whitney, Founder of the National Museum of Mathematics, on a math walk. As you walk throughout NorthPark Center, you may notice a pattern of artwork that reoccurs. There are several panels that appear like addition equations with color. Can you add colors like numbers? Dr.Glen Whitney explores the concept of adding colors using a color wheel. On a color wheel, you can calculate the angle bisector of two colors to find the resulting color if the two were mixed. We discuss how there... CONTINUE READING