BUNDLE: Draw the Fibonacci Spiral, Fibonacci in Nature, Golden Ratio

Welcome to the world of FIBONACCI!

The following three labs are presented in an investigative manner, intended to provoke thought among the students and to guide them into an outstanding learning experience as they enter the fascinating world of The Fibonacci Sequence.

Each lab addresses the Fibonacci Sequence from a different perspective, and each offers students a learning experience, rich and packed with learning enrichment.

The introductory lab to the Fibonacci Sequence is, in my opinion, the lab entitled FIBONACCI SEQUENCE PATTERNS IN NATURE. Students investigate and explore the patterns found in the natural world around them. Examples are presented, and students then gather their own examples for each of the Fibonacci numbers between 1 and 21.

They extend their garnered information by writing ratios from the Fibonacci Sequences and then convert the ratios to decimals and make comparisons from their results to show how their ratios approach the Golden Ratio.

Students ultimately place the examples into a portfolio and place the provided cover sheet on top.

The second lab is entitled HOW TO DRAW A FIBONACCI SPIRAL. In this lab, students follow well-defined steps to create their own FIBONACCI SPIRAL which offers an opportunity to teachers to display their creative side of mathematics in the classroom.

Finally, and my favorite lab, students discover the interesting relationship between the Fibonacci Sequence and the Golden Ratio. The lab begins with a descriptive introduction to Fibonacci's life where students learn how he gradually came up with this fascinating sequence.

Students discuss and explore essential terms clarifying any language barriers, and The Golden Ratio and The Golden Rectangle are both introduced and defined for clarity.

Students write a new sequence of numbers by using the Fibonacci's sequence and dividing each number by the number before it.

Students observe a pattern or trend.

Students use graph paper and a data chart (both provided in the lab) and follow explicit directions to observe a complementary pattern or trend found on the Golden Rectangle.

The lab concludes with two analysis questions for students to answer in reflection of the lab.

Students find the lab to be very fun while it meets the needs of the most creative of mathematical students. The bonus is the learning that goes on behind the scenes!!!

Teachers find the lab easily adaptable to their own curriculum.

Please enjoy these three labs with your students!