New Perspectives in Science Education

Mathematics and (engineering) sciences match together and reinforce each other through modeling. The Fibonacci sequence where the next number is found by adding up the two numbers before it, can be considered as a role model in making mathematics more appealing, more interesting and more accessible due to its multidisciplinary character. Connections with architecture, art, structures in nature, music are opportunities for teachers to stimulate students’ enthusiasm for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, in short STEM. Keeping in mind the unfulfilled demand for scientists and engineers, a priority area within education is to get young people involved in STEM. The subject of Fibonacci numbers and golden ratio fits well within the current tendency of inquiry-based and content-based mathematics education. We describe how the legendary Fibonacci can be a source of inspiration for science and mathematics teachers. We give some possible student activities and assignments for active involvement of the students concerning this subject. Moreover, projects targeting to make science education more interesting and relevant to student’s lives are strongly encouraged by funding of the European Union.

Keywords: STEM, mathematics, biology, golden mean, pattern recognition;

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