How to look for numbers in Nature.
A step by step guide on How to look for Numbers in Nature.
We have already covered the ‘Why look for numbers in nature‘ and now we get to the ‘how to look for numbers in nature’.
Having already established that improving observation is a key skill to be nurtured, this puts us in good stead for the 3 keys areas of how to look for numbers in nature.
How to look for numbers in nature –
1) Decoration
This is the most obvious and the bit that is most loved and understood. We all love the beautiful butterfly that displays perfect bilateral symmetry. And have always admired the bold stripes of the zebra. It may seem frivolous to us (whereas no doubt these patterns exist for predatory and survival reasons) yet we simply enjoy them on an aesthetically pleasing level.
There are geometric surface patterns as decoration,
- polygons eg: giraffe or delicate net on the wings of flying insects.
- stripes and circles as disguise
We can also look at patterns along a symmetry line
- leaves (and asymmetrical)
- insects
- rotational symmetry of circular flowers
How to look for numbers in nature –
2) Points that create shape
This is where how to look for numbers in nature gets interesting. The first principle of Euclidean geometry is of point, line and plane. Two points are joined to create a line (or segment) and three points create the first geometric shape possible the triangle.
So we can look for these simple elementary level shapes in natural forms. This is a perfect activity for preschoolers and enhances the observation and ability to recognise shapes before they even learn the names. So emphasising an understanding of shapes which according to the National Academies of Science is a crucial step towards spatial thinking.
When we say ‘point’ we can mean the petal or the space the petals create. Its about seeing the pattern that is created by parts of the plant.
There is a pentagon in many flowers. Either created by the number of petals, the space in between them or the centre edges. Pentagons are linked closely to the five pointed star or pentagram. You will quickly start to notice plenty of these.
Triangles are another common one, and the progression of triangle to hexagon ( ie 3 into 6) and then back again can be observed throughout the life cycle of a tulip, daffodil and lily.
the seeds of autumn are great places to see numbers. The seed formations take on perfect geometric attributes. threes and fives are easy to spot.
How to look for numbers in nature –
3) The geometry of form
This is when it starts to become more challenging to observe. Three dimensions come into play. How to look for numbers in nature as form and growth. To start, we can think about patterns of scale and look at fractals and forms of self similarity.
Then we can look for spirals which are manifest in so many natural forms. Just observing and marking these patterns can be stimulating and enjoyable. An introduction to the maths that is involved in these spirals can come later and will be a natural progression.
It is commonly understood that there are number sequences that govern patterns of growth. To begin to understand them it is important to think of these numbers as patterns and to forget the values associated with them. We do away with the concept of measurements and units and we are into the area of form and movement. We discover what is known to the higher maths professors as projective geometry.
Projective geometry is an exercise in mental gymnastics yet it is believed to have an important role to play in our development of thought. To do away with the rigid concepts of measurement and value and move into a world of duality and growth. A point can be understood to be many lines that pass through it and a plane can be made up of many lines tightly packed together.
(Euclid probably wouldn’t have liked it)
The Point is the Line is the Plane.
These points and lines and planes all move around dependent on the translation of one onto another. That translation in nature is determined by many natural forces; light, water, space, survival
Ok so it might seem difficult to keep up – it is a challenging concept. But it isn’t actually important to intellectualise and completely understand it all, just to experience and observe it.
The maths concepts can continue as much as we like. There are growth sequences which continue on from the translation of points. And I have yet to look into arrays and friezes.
Beetles walk in triangles, they have six legs. Each step uses three legs to create a strong tripod to lift themselves up upon and move forward. While worms or caterpillars use a fluid flexing of muscles to push themselves forward.
For those that are excited about Sacred Geometry, it is indeed present in natural forms. in seed pods and petal forms the delicate interplay of shapes forming within circles focuses the mind and centres the soul.
