The Magic of Symmetry
Today in our class, we studied the different types of
symmetry and how we can apply it through our irregular drawings. These
different types of symmetry included: rotational symmetry, reflectional
symmetry, scale symmetry and translational symmetry which is better known as a tessellation.
The most common type of tessellation which can be found in
nature is the beehive. But as an additional piece of work, we were asked to
find another example. My research has led to the tessellation of the pineapple.
The outer skin of the pineapple is constructed by pentagonal shapes. Very much
like the beehive which is constructed of the shape hexagon. This lesson has
made me realise how mathematics is all around us, especially in places as
normal as in nature. Many times we overlook the simplicity of nature and don’t
realise how maths can tie in with all of this. An example was shown in class. A
simple 10 by 10 square can be dissected into quarters and each time, a scale of
the same shape appeared and was symmetrical to the previous shape. As you
complete the shape, you can connect the halfway points to the centre and get a
golden spiral. This just shows how simple something can be but yet consists of
something so complex. This lesson has made me really think about what is around
us and how ‘beautiful’ it is.
#exploremaths
Wootube 