This famous sequence was first observed in 1202 by Italian mathematician Leonardo of Pisa, perhaps better known today as Fibonacci. Found in nature, this growing pattern has intrigued mathematicians for centuries. Students can explore the Fibonacci sequence using various math concepts appropriate to their grade level. Books such as Rabbits, rabbits everywhere: A Fibonacci tale; Wild Fibonacci and Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci are perfect entry points into the world of Fibonacci.
Teaching Tip
Pose the same problem that Fibonacci wrestled with:
Rabbits can mate at the age of one month so by the end of the second month, each female can produce another pair of rabbits. If the rabbits never die and each female produces one male and one female rabbit, how many pairs of rabbits will be produced by the end of a year?
You can find a detailed version of the rabbit problem investigation here.
Other teaching resources:
Grade 4 lesson plan
Discovery School lesson plan
Thanks for the mention, Beth!
ReplyDelete--Joe D'Agnese