Symmetry In Nature

Yet, nature isn't all too comfortable when it comes to a question of too much symmetry. Nearly all the symmetric patterns in nature are. The natural world is full of symmetry! Find the lines of symmetry in these objects of nature. Your child will get some great practice with an important geometry skill by applying it to the real world.

Posted by Lindsay MaldonadoDespite being an urban metropolis, Chicago is surprisingly a great city for nature lovers. We are lucky enough to have access to some incredible natural spaces, both inside and outdoors. Two of my go-to nature spots in the winter are the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and the Garfield Park Conservatory. It’s been a mild winter, but when the temperatures start to dip, we all seek the refuge of somewhere warm and humid – and, these two ‘museums’ are the place to go for nature. And, nature just happens to be full of opportunities to talk about math!One of the smaller museums in Chicago, the brings together a living collection of animals with a collection of animals that were once alive. Its most notable exhibit, the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, immerses you in a tropical paradise surrounded by nearly 1,000 butterflies (and some moths too). A true haven for Chicagoans in the winter, this exhibit offers the perfect opportunity to observe math in nature.

Specifically, butterflies give us the chance to explore symmetry. Exploring symmetry helps young children recognize patterns and hone their observation skills. There are many ways an object can be symmetrical. The simplest form of symmetry is bilateral or mirror symmetry – and, butterflies are a perfect example of mirror symmetry. Take a look at the butterfly pictures below.

Can you see the symmetry? What makes them symmetrical?Mirror symmetry is seen when one half of an object (or insect in this case) is the mirror image of the other half.

If we held a mirror at the line of symmetry we would see the same image reflected on the mirror (it is not recommended to hold a mirror to a butterfly, unless of course, you have a butterfly that was once alive).In the case of butterflies, the line of symmetry runs along the body of the butterfly. It runs directly between the butterfly’s antenna, lengthwise along its head, thorax, and abdomen (in case, you want to add some science content too).Symmetry in nature is fairly easy to find. Leaves are another great example of mirror symmetry.This picture of the fern room at provides unlimited opportunities to observe mirror symmetry. Let’s not forget about the other kinds of symmetry that exist though! It’s hard to pick my favorite place at the conservatory but my family really loves the desert house. And, what do you know? The desert house is a great place to explore a different kind of symmetry: radial symmetry!

Objects that have radial symmetry can be equally divided like a pie. Do you see the radial symmetry in the pictures below?You can continue to explore symmetry in the classroom with these.Thanks for exploring museums with me this month! There are so many more museums in Chicago that we couldn’t have possibly visited them all for these posts, but with all of these museums there are even more opportunities to apply the big ideas of mathematics.

With a deeper, more focused look you can find math anywhere. Next time you visit a museum, look around and ask yourself, what big ideas of mathematics can I find here? Now that you’re thinking in this way, I bet you’ll find math ideas with ease and you won’t be able to un-see them. Lindsay Maldonado developed an interest in informal learning experiences during her undergraduate years at Northeastern Illinois University, when she conducted research at the Chicago Children’s Museum to identify the museum programs and exhibits most likely to promote collaborative learning and foster a passion for science, technology, engineering and math by engaging children and families in STEM experiences. While pursuing her master’s degree in child development at the Erikson Institute, she coordinated the development of early childhood and family programs for the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.

Today, as director of audience research and evaluation at the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Maldonado leads the Shedd’s efforts to understand and enhance the visitor experience. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. In applied child development at the Erikson Institute and Loyola University Chicago. Her research interests include family learning and engagement and cultural variations in learning and engagement, as well as the role that informal learning institutions play in promoting environmental literacy and connecting children and families to the natural world.

Knights & Dragons is a non-stop action role playing game with endless battles against mythical creatures in a massive action-packed RPG adventure! Battle the Dark Prince & his monsters with a brave army of knights in epic role playing game action. As the Knight Commander, collect powerful heroes, craft armor with rare elements, embark on legendary quests & join a multiplayer guild to protect. Knights & Dragons is a unique game that blends the city-builder with the RPG to a create an unforgettable experience. You will design and build a city in your own image, train a lone hero in a way that befits your play style, and hunt down a staggering menagerie of gorgeously-drawn creatures in fast-paced battles of skill. Knights and dragons download. ‎Knights & Dragons is a non-stop action role-playing game with endless battles against mythical monsters in one massive action-packed adventure. The Dark Prince has unleashed his savage beasts on the land, and only the most elite knights can rise to challenge them. Build your team of heroes and recr. Knights & Dragons is a non-stop action role playing game with endless battles against mythical creatures in a massive action-packed RPG adventure! Battle the Dark Prince & his monsters with a brave army of knights in epic role playing game action. Knights & Dragons Android latest 1.62.000 APK Download and Install. Get ready for the holidays-Festive updates! Battle monsters & dragons.