Radial symmetry in nature

“Spinning under the influence” is one way to describe recent activities in the Costa Rican laboratory of Smithsonian scientist William Eberhard. An entomologist at the Smithsonian’s Tropical Research Institute, Eberhard recently carried out a series of experiments in which he observed the web-building behavior of dozens of spiders under the influence of drugs—specifically, a chemical injected into their bodies by parasitic wasps.

Photo by Hood

In our sunflower unit today we’re exploring shapes and symmetry in nature. This is a great way to take math outdoors and give children a hands-on lesson in size, shape, and symmetry. Shapes and symmetry in nature using sunflowers Click here to download your copy of the Sunflower School curriculum and printables. […]

One of the beautiful examples of symmetry in nature is the bilateral symmetry seen in animals.

Symmetry is usually defined as a sense of "balanced proportions" or "the quality of having parts that match each other," especially in an attractive way. And, when you think about it, it is all around us. Whether we look at human beings, architecture, art, or biology, there’s nothing more fascinating than seeing how the world is full of perfect forms and harmony.

Symmetry is usually defined as a sense of "balanced proportions" or "the quality of having parts that match each other," especially in an attractive way. And, when you think about it, it is all around us. Whether we look at human beings, architecture, art, or biology, there’s nothing more fascinating than seeing how the world is full of perfect forms and harmony.

Can't explain it.

Beautiful dahlia in my Dads garden. The symmetry is so satisfying

What have playing cards, limes and watering cans all got in common? What is Rotational symmetry? see it in new ways and in more places than you realise.