This Fibonacci activity for kids is a hands-on way to teach the Fibonacci sequence and make some math + art Fibonacci flowers!
We love to incorporate math with art because it really helps teach younger kids more complex math subjects in a hands-on, visual way.
Finding Fibonacci in Nature
The Fibonacci sequence can be observed in nature. The sequence is commonly observed in flowers, seashells, galaxies, ferns, sunflowers, flowers, cauliflower, and so many more!
Fibonacci number petal symmetry is found in flowers including honeysuckles, carnations, buttercups, lilies, and daisies.
What is the Fibonacci Sequence?
The numbers in the sequence are called Fibonacci numbers. To determine the next number in the sequence, you simply add the previous two numbers together.
Golden Ratio
The Fibonacci numbers and the Golden Ratio have a special relationship. Basically, the Golden Ratio occurs when the ratio of two quantities is equal to the ratio of the later of the two quantities to the whole.
You might also enjoy: First 100 Digits of Pi Color Wheel Activity
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Fibonacci Activity for Kids: Fibonacci Flowers
We explored the first seven Fibonacci numbers for this activity — 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 and made flowers with circles with diameters that followed the Fibonacci Sequence.
Fibonacci Flower Supplies
- 12 x 18 construction paper
- Mathematical compass
- Pencil
- Scissors
Follow the Fibonacci Sequence to Make Circles
To get started, we followed the Fibonacci sequence to create circles. Our goal was to have a diameter that followed the Fibonacci sequence, so we had to first determine the radius in order to use our compass to create the right sized circles.
How to use a compass for circles?
Circles can be made by fastening one leg of the compass into the paper with the spike, putting the pencil on the paper, and moving the pencil around while keeping the hinge on the same angle.
We suggest using a compass with your paper on top of cardboard because it helps to keep the spike anchored in place. You can adjust the radius of the circle by changing the angle of the hinge.
Measure Circles
Obviously, you won’t be using the Fibonacci number 0 to create a circle. We started with 1/2-inch radius to create a 1-inch diameter circle using our compass.
Next, you’ll create another 1-inch diameter circle. To create a 2-inch diameter circle, you’ll need to make sure your compass is set to 1-inch for radius.
Continue using the compass to make circles until you make an 8-inch diameter circle.
Build Fibonacci Flowers
This is a great way to visually sequence the flowers in order of size and color as well.
We tried to think like a programmer and sequence the colors in a way that made sure that the same color doesn’t appear again before the other two colors appear.
We made some green stems with construction paper and assembled our flowers.
As we went, we discussed the Fibonacci sequence and how it is calculated. You can take it a step further and discuss how to determine the next three numbers in the Fibonacci sequence.
Fibonacci Books for Kids
- Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci by Joseph D’Agnese
- Growing Patterns: Fibonacci Numbers in Nature by Sarah C. Campbell
- Rabbits Rabbits Everywhere: A Fibonacci Tale by Ann McCallum
Fibonacci Activities for Kids
Learn more about the Fibonacci sequence with these great, hands-on Fibonacci activities for kids!
Code Fibonacci Rectangles in JavaScript
This tech + math + art activity is the ultimate project to learn some coding and explore Fibonacci rectangles. Are you ready to code Fibonacci rectangles and make some cool digital Fibonacci art?
Teach the Fibonacci Sequence with this Easy Math & Art Activity!
This math and art activity presents this complex mathematical concept in an easy to understand, tangible way with Fibonacci art and is ideal for elementary-age kids through tweens!
Finding Pi with Math Sun Catchers
The goal of this activity is to explore the number Pi and prove that it is a mathematical constant by making math sun catchers out of fuse beads for a fun math + art STEAM activity!
Meet Toni, the Maker Mom behind Our Family Code
Hey there, I’m Toni! I’m a software engineer and Maker Mom that finds my joy in unleashing my children’s curiosity by exploring STEAM concepts with my fantastic five!
When I’m not chasing toddlers or raising tweens, you can find me tearing things up and putting them back together over here at Our Family Code.
I am the owner and content creator of multiple educational websites designed to increase access to STEAM & STEM education with a focus on teaching computer science and coding to kids of all ages!
You can also find out more about me by visiting ToniGardner.com!
