Introduction
A hexagon is one of the most intriguing and ubiquitous shapes observed in nature, architecture, and design. As educators, it is our responsibility to teach students about the significance of this six-sided polygon and highlight its prevalence across various disciplines. This article will discuss how to effectively teach students about hexagon nature and provide examples of this versatile shape in action.
The Basics: Understanding Hexagons
Before diving into the world of hexagons, students should be well-acquainted with the basic properties of this polygon. A hexagon has six sides and six angles, with internal angles summing up to 720 degrees. There are different types of hexagons, such as regular (all sides and angles are equal) and irregular (different side lengths or angle measures). Expanding on these concepts, educators can demonstrate that a regular hexagon’s angles each measure 120 degrees.
Drawing from Geometry
To enhance understanding, teachers can engage students through hands-on activities involving geometric constructions or manipulatives. These activities can be tailored to different age groups and may include paper folding, using geoboards, drawing with compasses or protractors, or using online resources like interactive geometry software. Through these exercises, learners can gain insight into hexagons’ properties while strengthening their spatial reasoning abilities.
Hexagons in Nature
One engaging way to showcase the beauty of hexagons is by exploring their presence in the natural world. Examples include honeycombs constructed by bees, basalt columns found in geological formations such as Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway or the Devil’s Postpile National Monument in California, snowflake patterns observed under a microscope, and even certain microscopic algae species.
Hexagons enhance structural integrity and resource efficiency—the honeycomb pattern maximizes space while minimizing wax usage and provides excellent strength-to-weight ratios. In class, students can discuss why hexagons are nature’s go-to shape for these purposes and contemplate whether other shapes might be as efficient.
Hexagons in Design, Technology, and Architecture
Not only can students witness hexagons in nature, but they can also see this polygon’s influence in human designs. In architecture, hexagonal themes can be witnessed in the Roman Pantheon, the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles, and Islamic art.
In science and technology, hexagonal patterns are seen in carbon nanotubes, buckminsterfullerene (a.k.a. “buckyballs”), and satellite telescope mirrors.
By analyzing various examples of hexagonal structures across disciplines, students can appreciate the practical applications and adaptability of this shape.
Conclusion
When teaching students about the nature of hexagons, educators must emphasize their properties, prevalence in nature, links to human-made structures, and their unique characteristics that make them efficient choices for numerous applications. By incorporating engaging activities and diverse examples from various fields of study, we can foster life-long appreciation for the fascinating world of hexagons among our students.
