Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze reveals and explains the mathematical patterns that abound in the natural world. Created by the Museum’s Center for the Advancement of Science Education, the Numbers in Nature pre- and post-visit lessons and field trip exploration guide are linked to what students are learning in the classroom.

The exhibit demonstrates how nature has an inherent structure that can be expressed through numeric and geometric patterns. These mathematical tools help us understand, manipulate and appreciate the world around us. 

Numbers in Nature is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, including:

• Science and engineering practices like developing and using models, planning and carrying out investigations, and analyzing and interpreting data.
• Crosscutting concepts like patterns, structure and function, and scale, proportion and quantity.
• Disciplinary core ideas like engineering design (ETS1) and from molecules to organisms: structures and processes (LS1).

Classroom Lessons

To enhance a Numbers in Nature field trip, teachers can use free classroom lessons before and after their visit.

Numbers in Nature Teacher Resource Packet (PDF) Patterns Everywhere (PDF) Patterns in DNA (PDF) It's a Secret (PDF) Numbers in Nature Museum Exploration Guide (PDF)