How does a sunflower grow its seeds in beautiful, spiral patterns? Many things in nature, like the sunflower, grow according to the Golden Ratio, 1.618, and Fibonacci Numbers. These mathematical calculations can be used to understand patterns found in nature, such as seed heads, pine-cones, sea shells, fruits and vegetables.
“Mathematics is beautiful,” says Donald Plante, lecturer of mathematics at the University of New Hampshire at Manchester.
Inspired by the beauty in nature and the mathematics responsible, Plante developed a course that teaches students about the Golden Ratio and Fibonacci Numbers as well as other interesting topics. Plante's goal for the new course, Excursions in Quantitative Reasoning (Math 444), is to get students excited about math.
“You don’t normally get to see this in an undergraduate college class,” said Plante. “Students don’t usually see it until upper level courses. This course allows students to see the beauty of mathematics all around us.”
Students will also explore voting methods and how all methods of voting in a democracy are flawed. They’ll study the work of artist M.C. Escher and the mathematics behind his masterpieces, design the best route for a mail carrier to take, and learn how to please party guests by cutting a cake in equal proportions. Students will also create their own piece of fractal art and learn about other dimensions.
The course will be offered this fall, September 2 through December 18 on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 3:00-4:50 p.m. This highly interactive course is exam free and fills both general education and inquiry requirements for undergraduate degree students.
