Week 40: Tensegrities
In math we find balance and equilibrium. We balance equations. We keep balance by using properties of identity (multiply by 1 or add zero), Properties of Equality (mirroring operations), and by using the many other ways to manipulate and play with structures in math. This week’s math is about equili
Week 39: Toothpicks
A box of toothpicks can lead to an afternoon of entertainment. This week learners can play with the toothpick sequence. The sequence produces really interesting geometries and lines as it grows. I recommend watching Numberphile’s Youtube video on this sequence here. There is also OEIS’ website that
Toothpick Worms GIF
Go here to play with a generator: http://oeis.org/A139250/a139250.anim.html [http://oeis.org/A139250/a139250.anim.html]
Week 38: Knotty Math Tiles
I love playing with knots. Last year I designed a Knotty Math toy with wooden tiles. It is part of a series of toys I have been working on that help create single pointed mindfulness with math. These are for kids and adults alike. I think sand, clay, tiles, and tessellations can all be instruments [
Kitty’s Toothpick Dream
And for some fun play with toothpicks go here: http://oeis.org/A139250/a139250.anim.html [http://oeis.org/A139250/a139250.anim.html]
Cantor Set Kitty Kong
No one wanted to play with kitty…
Week 37: Cantor Set Kirigami
For this week’s activity, learners can play with Cantor Set Kirigami. The Cantor Set is created by drawing a line. Next, remove the middle third of that line (this will create 2 lines). For each of the two lines just created, remove the middle third (this will create 4 lines). Continue with this pro
Week 36: Golden Angle Scavenger Hunt and Drawing Phi-Nominal Phi-lowers
The Golden ratio appears in nature all around us. Flowers and other botanicals often grow at an optimal (Golden) angle of about 137.5 degrees. For the 52-weeks of math activity, I encourage learners to seek out the Golden angle on a scavenger hunt. Take pictures or sketch in a nature journal the pin
Sticky Note Sunflower
What you are seeing is a growth pattern of sticky notes that uses the Golden Angle (137.5 degrees) and then slowly decreases. This angle is commonly found in the plants all around us because it is an optimal angle for growth. It was a lot of fun playing with the growth angle while creating memorizin
