With the bee we will learn a bit of mathematics. How the bee saves material by optimising space.
How to create something, optimising the space and using the least amount of material?
To answer this question we can ask the bee.
The regular hexagon is one of the most easily recognisable geometric shapes in Nature.
It is one of the configurations that makes the most of space.
We can see the well-known hexagonal pattern that we find in the honeycombs of beehives and the eyes of insects.
The hexagon minimises lost surfaces. This is why the combs of beehives and hornets and the shells of turtles are often hexagonal.
We will present several ideas that can be used:
Where can we find the Hexagonal shape in Nature? (Explore with children in a brainstorm)
Observe a beehive, using different pictures or videos.
Imitating the sound of bees.
See, smell bee products: honey and wax.
Draw a bee in the nature observation notebook.
Discuss the importance of bees in pollination.
Watch the Bee Movie.
Draw and cut out a hexagon.
Carry out the activity - Soap "Balls" that are Hexagons?
Several videos that can be explored by the teacher as a source of information:
Tip: look for pictures of bees and honeycombs and share in the classroom.
Tip 2: look for images of various animals that have the Hexagonal shape, such as:
Bees
Turtle shell
Snake skin
Giraffes
Dry land pattern
Pineapple peel
Eyes of some insects
Set of soap bubbles
Where are these hexagonal structures used?
Look for examples!
In Nature ...
On a daily basis ...
Look at the following pictures and see how the pencils in hexagonal figure allow you to save area.
Activity: Soap "Balls" that are Hexagons?
Materials required:
Clear glass
Water
A drop of washing-up liquid
A cardboard straw