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
How do you compare shapes?
- September 9
What is this oversized sculpture? How can we use science to appreciate this art piece and math to understand more about it? Visit Dallas City Hall Plaza and explore "The Dallas Piece" for yourself. This video was supported by City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs.... CONTINUE READING
What are Fractals?
- September 9
Dr. Glen Whitney, founder of the National Museum of Mathematics in New York and walkSTEM advisor, notices the beautiful, glossy leaves of the magnolia leaves that he walks by on this tour and call out the math pattern of the veins in the leaves. This fractal pattern, where the shape repeats itself but at a progressively smaller scale is common in nature and is a fascinating, relatively new field in mathematics. Supplementary Activity Guides for this video to extend student learning for K-12 grad... CONTINUE READING
How Can We Estimate the Amount of Water on Earth?
- September 9
The terrazzo World Map in the main lobby provides a fairly accurate representation of the Earth’s surface. Using the lines separating its sections to divide it into quadrants, we can use fractions to estimate the portion of the whole covered by water. Combining these parts back together and comparing it to established numbers should give us and idea of how close we were able to get with our estimation! This video was supported by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs. Supplementary Act... CONTINUE READING
What is Mathematical about a Tree?
- September 9
Dr. Glen Whitney, founder of the National Museum of Mathematics in New York and walkSTEM advisor wonders what is mathematical about trees. He asks why do trees always have a larger singular trunk at the Earth, and more smaller branches in the sky? Why not one singular branch that stretches up? Dr. Glen Whitney explores this natural phenomenon that applies to all trees. A supplementary activity guide is available for this video, thanks to participation by faculty and students at Simmons School of... CONTINUE READING
How Do You Create Your Own Labyrinth?
- September 9
Dr. Glen Whitney, founder of the National Museum of Mathematics in New York and walkSTEM advisor discusses the differences between a labyrinth and a maze and poses the math questions that directly relate to the design of a labyrinth, which is a winding path that never repeats, and yet has only one route that can take you from the outer edge to the center. How do you design a labyrinth? How many different labyrinths could there be or is this the only one?... CONTINUE READING