Mathematical Patterns in Real Life

  We know the beauty of mathematics is in the patterns. I'm not talking about finding the missing number in a list of numbers.  I'm not talking about solving dry equation after dry equation.  I'm talking about the mathematical patterns that produce the beautiful pyramids or the number of petals in various flowers.

Its the thirds used by Egyptians when they drew human figures.  A ratio that is not far off of the real human form.  For instance figures are drawn in units called heads.  The current ideal for the average figure is seven and a half heads high which is a perfect thirds, 2.5, 2.5, 2.5.  Something cool.

If we look at most things around us, we can see patterns in shapes such as roofs with a series of isosceles triangles which are used as  roof supports. Overall it has a specific pitch or slope. If you look around, you can find squares, rectangles, trapezoids, triangles, parallel lines, line segments, intersecting lines, perpendicular lines, etc.

Look at nautilus and snail shells to see the golden ratio or Pythagorean spiral depending on what article you read.  They spiral around, each segment getting larger and larger until the beautiful shape is created.

If you check butterflies or books, they have bilateral symmetry while maps provide real examples of vertical angles, corresponding angles, alternate interior or exterior angles, or same side angles.  Many cities have parts with parallel line cut by a transverse. 

Look at rates.  You'll find them in pulse rates such as 87 beats per minute, blood pressure, gestation periods for animals, corn when its on sale for 6 for a $1.00 or 4 different packs of veggies for $5.00.  There are also found in water or electric rates because you pay so much per unit or at the Olympics when new records are set.

Even the instructions for knitting, crocheting, tatting, fabric flowers, etc use repeating patterns to create the finished products such as scarves, hats, gloves or doily's.  Its the repeating patterns that make things interesting.  For instance, if you are making a pair of socks, you might cast on 64 stitches to start.  The pattern might be knit 2, purl 2 and repeat round and round until you've completed several inches worth. 

They are there.  Show them to the students, let them see the world is filled with mathematical patterns that can be used to explain the world.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.