MATHEMATICS 9

3rd Quarter
Performance Task (Project)

Name: Grade: Nine Score:

Project Name: Collaborating Subjects: Date of Submission:

March 31, 2023
MATHEMATICAL PATTERNS Mathematics
IN NATURE
Integrated Lessons:

Similarity of Shapes

I. INTRODUCTION

Patterns in nature are visible regularities of form found in the natural world. These patterns recur in
different contexts and can sometimes be modeled mathematically. Natural patterns include
symmetries, trees, spirals, fractals, meanders, waves, foams, tessellations, cracks, and stripes.

Here are some pictures of patterns found in natural objects and the Mathematics present in them.
1. Shells

Snail shells and nautilus shells follow the logarithmic spiral. The unique properties of the Golden
Rectangle is found in most of these shells. This shape, a rectangle in which the ratio of the sides a/b
is equal to the golden mean (ɸ = 1.618…), can result in a nesting process that can be repeated into
infinity — and which takes on the form of a spiral. It is called the logarithmic spiral, and it abounds in
nature.

2. Fractals
Fractals are objects in which the same patterns occur again and again at different scales and sizes.
In a perfect mathematical fractal – such as the famous Mandelbrot set, shown below – this “self-
similarity” goes infinitely deep: each pattern is made up of smaller copies of itself, and those smaller
copies are made up of smaller copies again, forever.
a. The Mandelbrot set
The term Mandelbrot set is used to refer both to a
general class of fractal sets and to a particular
instance of such a set. In general, a Mandelbrot set
marks the set of points in the complex plane such
that the corresponding Julia set is connected and
not computable. "The" Mandelbrot set is the set
obtained from the quadratic recurrence equation
z n+1= z n +C with z0 = C, where points C in the
2

complex plane for which the orbit of z n does not

tend to infinity are in the set. Setting z0 equal to any
point in the set that is not a periodic point gives the
same result. The Mandelbrot set was originally
called a µ molecule by Mandelbrot. J. Hubbard and
A. Douady proved that the Mandelbrot set is connected.
 b. The Sierpinski Triangle

Polish mathematician Wacław Sierpiński

described the fractal that bears his name in
1915, although the design as an art motif dates
at least to 13th-century Italy. Begin with a solid
equilateral triangle, and remove the triangle
formed by connecting the midpoints of each
side. The midpoints of the sides of the resulting
three internal triangles are connected to form
three new triangles that are then removed to
form nine smaller internal triangles. The process
of cutting away triangular pieces continues
indefinitely, producing a region with a Hausdorf
dimension of a bit more than 1.5 (indicating that
it is more than a one-dimensional figure but less
than a two-dimensional figure).

c. Koch Snowflake
The Koch Snowflake is a mathematical curve and
one of the earliest fractal curves to have been
described. It is based on the Koch curve, which
appeared in the 1904 paper titled “On a
Continuous Curve without Tangents, Constructible
from Elementary Geometry” by Swedish
mathematician Helge von Koch.

The progression for the area of the snowflake

converges to 1.6 times the area of the original
triangle, while the progression for the snowflake's
perimeter diverges to infinity. Consequently, the
snowflake has a finite area bounded by an
infinitely long line.

d. Julia Set
 Julia set fractals are normally generated
by initializing a complex number z = x +
yi, where i2 = -1 and x and y are image
pixel coordinates in the range of about -2
to 2. Then, z is repeatedly updated
using z = z2 + c, where c is another
complex number that gives a specific
Julia set. After numerous iterations, if the
magnitude of z is less than 2, we say that
pixel is in the Julia set and color it
accordingly. Performing this calculation
for a whole grid of pixels gives a fractal image.
Many natural phenomena are fractal to some degree. Below are images of some of the most striking.
a. The network of veins that move fluids around inside a
leaf shows clear fractal structure. The circulatory
system of animals is similar.

b. The sixfold symmetry of this snowflake,

due to the microscopic crystal structure of ice,
is repeated several times. The central hexagon
sprouts six more rough hexagons, and the
outer corners of those produce still more
hexagonal outgrowths.

c. This image produced by high-voltage electricity

discharging through a non-conductive material, known as
a Lichtenberg figure, shows repetitive self-similar
branching characteristic of a fractal.
d. Known as Romanesco cauliflower, Romanesco
broccoli or even brocciflower, this relative of more common
brassicas has a strikingly fractal appearance. The self-
similar conical protrusions are composed of spiral on spiral
of tiny buds.
e. In many trees, such as this sycamore, a central
trunk forks into two or more branches which
themselves fork again and again into thinner and
thinner branches before finally terminating in tiny twigs.
Seven or more levels of branching can be counted in

this image.
 II. OBJECTIVES

A. Mathematics
● Utilize their knowledge about similarities of shapes
● Identify different patterns in nature
● create their own set of patterns

III. ESSENTIAL SKILLS

A. Strand Skills: Conceptual Understanding, Procedural Fluency, Strategic Competence,

Adaptive Reasoning, Productive Disposition

B. Transdisciplinary Skills: Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking

C. Technological Skills: Presentation Skills, Word Processing, Designing

IV. OVERVIEW OF THE PERFORMANCE TASK

A. Preparation
● search for other natural objects in which a pattern is present or is a natural fractal.

B. Mathematical Connection
● Take a photo of the objects.
● Write a short write-up describing the mathematical pattern found in the object.

C. Project Making:
● Present the photos in the specified format.
● Upload the document in Google Classroom.

V. CRITERIA

A. Mathematics: Mathematical Modelling

Evidence of Critical Thinking

- Mathematical explanations of the patterns present in the objects; 20

Evidence of Creative Thinking

- Presentation of the photos and write-up; 20

Observation of Guidelines
- Following the rules, format, materials, and deadline set for the authentic
Assessment. 10
VI. REFLECTION QUESTIONS (PLEASE ANSWER THIS PART)

1. What did you personally learn or realize about yourself and about our lessons through this activity?

2. How did your knowledge of similarity of shapes help you in this activity?

3. How will you relate Mathematics to our environment?

VII. SPECIFICATION OF TASK

1. Search for other natural objects in which a pattern is present or is a natural fractal. Look for
five (5) objects.
2. Take a photo of the objects. The photos should be original.
3. For each photo, write a short write-up describing the mathematical pattern found in the object.
4. Present your work following the format and materials listed below.

Dimensions:
● Black Paper Base – 8 inches by 8 inches
● Picture – 5R (5 inches by 7 inches)
● Write-up – 1 inch by 7 inches
Picture

Write up
Name:
 Insert photo here

Write up:

Name:
Write up:

Name:
 Insert photo here

Write up:

Name:
 Insert photo here

Write up:

Name:
 Insert photo here

Write up:

Name: