Unit Study

Free Unit Study: The Fibonacci Sequence Lesson Plan

Free Unit Study

The Fibonacci Sequence and the Golden Ratio

Are you dreading when it’s math time? Teaching math can be tough, but our Free Lesson plan, “The Fibonacci Sequence: Connecting Math, Nature, Art, and Music,” is user-friendly and packed with hands-on activities.

At BTDT Homeschool, we believe in making learning an exciting adventure. The Fibonacci sequence connects the beauty of nature, the intricacies of art, the harmony of music, and even the rhythm of poetry. Learning about Fibonacci numbers and the Golden Ratio helps children appreciate the mathematical beauty in nature, deepening their understanding of the world around them. For more ideas on exploring nature in your homeschool, check out Episode 022. Homeschooling in the Wild. Also, stay tuned for our next episode, 068: Discovering Math in Nature coming next week!

Why Teach the Fibonacci Sequence?

1. Nature Exploration: The Fibonacci sequence is not just a set of numbers; it’s a way to see the world differently. When children discover Fibonacci numbers in flowers, pinecones, shells, and even fruits and vegetables, math transforms from abstract concepts to tangible, real-world applications. This exploration makes learning an adventure, sparking curiosity and wonder.

2. Hands-On Learning: Counting spirals on pinecones, examining the arrangement of sunflower seeds, drawing Fibonacci rectangles, or creating a rhythmic poem allows kids to engage with math physically. This hands-on approach helps solidify understanding and makes learning more interactive and enjoyable.

3. Creativity: Understanding the Fibonacci sequence and the Golden Ratio can inspire children to create art, music, and poetry. By recognizing these patterns, they can design balanced creations that follow a mathematical rhythm, integrating math with creativity seamlessly.

4. Mathematical Thinking: Learning about the Fibonacci sequence enhances problem-solving skills and mathematical thinking. Children learn to recognize patterns, understand sequences, and apply these concepts in various contexts, building a strong foundation for future mathematical learning.

BTDT Fibonacci
Lesson Plan Highlights

Lesson 1: Introduction to Fibonacci Numbers

The curriculum provides clear, step-by-step guidance, starting with the basics and building up your understanding. You’ll learn the concepts together with your children, ensuring a complete and shared understanding. Learning together is one of the best benefits of homeschooling.

Lesson 2: Exploring Fibonacci in Nature

The curriculum will guide you in taking learning outdoors, encouraging children to find Fibonacci patterns in flowers, seed heads, and even fruits and vegetables. This lesson emphasizes observation and exploration, making it easy to follow and engaging for both parents and children.

BTDT Homeschool was created with a heartfelt mission: to empower and give back to the secular homeschool community.

Through our informative podcasts, blog posts, daily inspiration, and a wide range of free printable tools, we aim to empower you on your homeschooling journey.

New to Homeschooling>>>

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Lesson 3: Fibonacci Rectangles and The Golden Ratio

The curriculum connects the Fibonacci sequence to art by teaching you how to draw Fibonacci rectangles and exploring the Golden Ratio. This lesson bridges math and art, showing how mathematical principles create visually pleasing patterns. The instructions are simple and clear, making it accessible for everyone.

Lesson 4: Play with Fibonacci

The curriculum introduces a fun math game called Fibonacci Nim. This game helps develop strategic thinking and reinforces the concept of the Fibonacci sequence in an interactive way. The game is explained in an easy-to-understand manner, ensuring that both you and your child can enjoy and learn from it.

Lesson 5: Fibonacci Art

The curriculum will inspire creativity by incorporating the Fibonacci sequence into art projects. It uses the Rule of Thirds and the Golden Ratio to create balanced and harmonious compositions. The instructions make it simple to follow, even if you’re new to these concepts.

Lesson 6: Fibonacci in Music

The curriculum explores how the Fibonacci sequence appears in music. From the structure of scales to the design of instruments, these mathematical principles create harmonious and pleasing sounds. The lesson is will be a blast for both you and your child.

Lesson 7: Fibonacci Poetry

The curriculum also includes a creative exploration of Fibonacci poetry. By composing poems that follow the Fibonacci sequence in syllable count, children can see the beauty of math in language and expression. We love exploring new ways to get your kids excited about writing.

In Summary

Teaching the Fibonacci sequence is an excellent way to connect different subjects and make learning an exciting adventure. By exploring how this sequence appears in nature, art, music, and even poetry, your kids can see the beauty of math in the world around them.

Note: While the Golden Ratio is a fascinating concept found in nature, not every statement about its occurrence is scientifically verified. Encourage your children to approach such claims critically and explore the evidence themselves. Happy homeschooling!

Download your Free Unit Study

FREE Unit Study: Before the 4th of July

Before the 4th of July Unit Study
This 3-week Unit Study is an American Girl history exploration with Kaya to help your child understand what it was like to live as a Native American in the 1700’s.

As we gather to celebrate the Fourth of July, it’s crucial to recognize that the roots of this significant occasion extend far beyond the year 1776 when the colonists declared their independence. The land we now call America was and continues to be inhabited by a remarkable and diverse array of Indigenous peoples, whose vibrant cultures and deep connections to the land shaped the very fabric of this nation. Within this context, we embark on a captivating journey with Kaya, an extraordinary American Girl doll who represents the rich tapestry of Native American heritage.

Kaya 2014 Mini Doll & Book (American Girl)

Kaya stands as a unique figure among the American Girl dolls, as she embodies the spirit and resilience of the Indigenous peoples who inhabited this land long before European settlers arrived. As we explore Kaya’s life, it’s important to remember that the sight of a European person in her world would have been an unexpected and unfamiliar encounter. Through the exploration of her story, we gain a profound understanding of the profound influence Indigenous cultures have had on America’s history and identity.

Throughout this homeschool unit study, we will begin on an enlightening adventure, honoring the legacy of the Indigenous peoples while celebrating the significance of the Fourth of July. We will discover the intricacies of Kaya’s life and the astonishing diversity of Indigenous cultures that thrived and continue to thrive across this vast land. By understanding and appreciating the Indigenous heritage that predates the birth of the United States, we deepen our connection to the collective narrative that shaped this nation.

Join us as we journey through the pages of history, weaving together the stories of Indigenous peoples, the struggles for freedom, and the rich cultural tapestry that makes America truly unique.

START HERE:

Begin to read Kaya: An American Girl: 1764:

You don’t need to complete all the books before beginning this unit study. Read 1-2 chapters a day to your children. There’s a good chance they may love them so much that they want to keep reading all the way through the 8-book set. This set will take you and your children on an incredible journey through history as you explore Kaya’s life and learn about elements of Nez Perce customs and language.

Incorporate Play:

Kaya’s Paper Dolls

Have fun with Kaya and her friends with outfits to cut out and scenes to play:

6 pc Horse Play Set

Have fun with these detailed miniature toy horses while you read about Kaya’s life.

The narrative of the story immerses readers in Kaya’s character, providing an authentic depiction of her Native American culture in the year 1764. As the story unfolds, Kaya undergoes significant personal growth, evolving into a compassionate individual who gains wisdom from her errors. Her cherished horse assumes a vital role, symbolizing an inseparable bond with Kaya’s existence. Ultimately, “Meet Kaya” imparts a valuable lesson about transcending youthful arrogance and discovering redemption through acts of selflessness. The very source of pride, embodied by the swift and magnificent horse, becomes the catalyst for a remarkable rescue.

Week 1

  1. Map: Mark Kaya’s home on the map. Explain that, unlike later girls, we don’t know exactly where Kaya lived. In fact, she probably didn’t have homes in the traditional sense, since the Nez Perce were a nomadic people who moved around to follow hunting opportunities. Explore an interactive map of Native American tribes across the United States.
  2. Timeline: Find 1764, as well as 1754, the year Kaya was born and record in the Book of Centuries. Check out the internet to find other events happening in America at about that time and record those too. The most significant of these for Kaya would have been more and more European settlers coming to the Northwest. Discover important events in Native American history on this timeline and record them in your Book of Centuries to help gain perspective of these events.
  3. Craft: Choose a craft to work on while you’re studying Kaya. Consider either a leather craft or beading, both of which would have been popular among the Nez Perce. Remind your child that beads would have been very valuable and obtained by trading with European settlers. So much of the beautiful beading was so intricate and may be difficult for your young child. This natural clay bead kit would be a good alternative for young hands.
Leather Bag Craft Kit

BTDT Homeschool was created with a heartfelt mission: to empower and give back to the secular homeschool community.

Through our informative podcasts, blog posts, daily inspiration, and a wide range of free printable tools, we aim to empower you on your homeschooling journey.

New to Homeschooling>>>

Week 2

  1. Introduce the Founding Fathers, the Founding Mothers, and their contributions. Remind your child that Kaya would not have heard of these people.
  2. Explore and Learn about the Lewis and Clark Expedition from an Indigenous perspective. Remind your child that Kaya may have heard of Lewis and Clark, who came through the Northwest when Kaya was much older. Go outside and explore and teach your child to respect the natural world they encounter.
  3. Native Nations: Explore this map and all the Native American Nations that were encountered on the Lewis and Clark expedition.
  4. Act It Out: Have your children choose a scene or event from one of the books to act it out together.
Explore Native American Nations encountered by Lewis and Clark

Week 3

  1. Animals: Animals were a very important part of Kaya’s life. Have you child consider how the life of your pet is different from the animals in Kaya’s tribe. Learn about the unique relationship between Native Americans and their animal counterparts.
  2. Video: Watch this 2 min YouTube video on How Appaloosa Horses Keep Nez Perce Traditions Alive. See their horses and meet a a Nez Perce Family and see their traditional clothing and the pride of a young girl wearing her great grandmother’s dress.
  3. Nez Perce Today: Learn more about the Nez Perce Tribe and the Nimiipuu people that live in north-central Idaho with more that 3,500 citizens.
  4. Learn More: Visit The Nex Perce Museum in person or on their website and learn more about the objects they made and used over the past 10,000 years. Basketry, beadwork, ceremonials, toolmaking, language, their daily rhythms and cycles and how they were attuned to the land, and more!
Nez Perce Dugout Canoe and Tipi
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