Introduction to the project (Provided by the school):

Mathematics Project Competition for Secondary Schools (2002-2003)

School: Tseung Kwan O Government Secondary School

Title of Project: An abode for Plants and Animals

Supervisors：Ms. Wu Po Yin, Mr. Lau Chi Keung

Members： Chan Man Hang

                   Choi Cheuk Hung

                   Chow Chui Shan

                   Lam Yuan Ching

                   Tseung Yin Yu

Fascinating mathematical laws abound in the immensely mysterious natural world. In this project, we are going to present to you, through surveys, investigations and statistical analysis, the mathematical wonders embedded in the natural world. We have prepared, among other things, an “Insight Station”, an “Artifact Box” and models, with a view to stimulating the reader to think and to gain a deeper insight into mathematical laws. The following is a list of the topics to be put in the report:

Unit 1： Finding examples of symmetry among animal species through field study

Unit 2： Investigating the pattern of lattice and its applications in the abode of animal species

Unit 3： Introducing the discovery of Fibonacci Sequence, with emphasis on examples found in plants, e.g. the number of petals, sunflower seeds, the arrangement of the outer layer of pineapples and pinecones

Unit 4：Calculating the golden ratio hidden in animals, and verifying it statistically－ the standard of assessing beauty

Unit 5：Explaining how to draw golden spirals by means of golden rectangles, hence deriving the law of golden angle and finding examples in nature

Working on this project has not only enhanced our understanding of, and interest in, Mathematics, but also, more importantly, it has enabled us to apply in real-life situations what we have learned, and make good use of the treasures in nature that we are endowed with.