Fibonacci Puzzle

Create a fun puzzle in order to learn about what Fibonacci numbers are, and discover the many ways they can appear in everyday life!

 MATERIALS:

  • Two colors of construction paper

  • Ruler

  • Pencil

  • Scissors

  • Glue

TIME ESTIMATED:

15-20 minutes

DIRECTIONS: 

  1. Using a ruler and a pencil, cut two 1” x 1” squares of construction paper from each color.

  2. Now cut four more squares from each color with these dimensions: 2” x 2”, 3” x 3”, 5” x 5”, and 8” x 8”. You should have 12 squares total: 6 of one color, and 6 of the other color.

  3. Choose one color of paper. Then cut an arc in each square from the bottom left corner to the top right corner.

  4. Glue arcs to paper and let dry

  5. Now assemble the puzzle!

Think Like a Scientist!

  • How does the Fibonacci sequence work, and what is its role in nature?

HOW DOES IT WORK? 

The Fibonacci Sequence is a series of numbers where each number in the sequence is the sum of the two numbers before it. It goes like this: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, and so on. If you divide a Fibonacci number by the Fibonacci number before it, it will equal about 1.6. This number is known as the “golden ratio”. In this activity, you made a “golden rectangle” that is the length and width of two Fibonacci numbers: 13 and 8. Then, the rectangle is divided into small squares using the Fibonacci sequence as a guide. Finally, the corners of each square are connected to form a “golden spiral”.

Further exploration:

Math is everywhere - even in nature. The golden spiral is a pattern we see occur naturally in nautilus shells, snail shells, hurricanes, pinecones, and succulents, to name a few. Also, if you count the number of seeds or petals in many plants, you’ll find that they usually add up to a Fibonacci number.

There are many practical applications of the Fibonacci series. The golden ratio and golden spiral are often used in art and architecture to create aesthetically pleasing designs. Fibonacci numbers are also used in some computer algorithms, and to make predictions about population growth and the stock market.

Looking for more fun at-home STEM activities for your young scientist? Check out our workbook full of exciting science experiments and empowering activities! 

Learn more and purchase today!