Change is a constant, and as each month fades into the next, previous patterns blend into newer ones. This month, whether you’re admiring summer cloud formations, taking in the horizon of our local mountain ranges, or just admiring the ferns and wildflowers during an afternoon hike, a silent changing pattern may be present that you might not be aware of. We’re familiar with various designs found in our backyards, such as the heart-shaped leaves of clover and the spiral of a snail’s shell. Still, other patterns involving multidimensional interconnectedness are more challenging to recognize. These patterns, known as fractals, are described as expanding or evolving symmetry. They repeat themselves in a specific way, which can be noticed on a macro and a micro-level. For today’s self-directed learning module, let’s learn about the discovery and geometry of fractals, where they appear in nature and contemplate how we may be a smaller and more significant piece of this universal pattern.
Strawberries can be a powerful educational tool, connecting self-directed learners to the ways in which Native American Nations, such as the Algonquins, used lunar cycles
Sunscreen traces a path from early sun-protective practices to the chemistry of modern formulas. Ancient methods—using minerals, oils, or shade—reflect a long-standing attention to sunlight
Biodiversity invites us to learn how species adapt, ecosystems connect, and conservation sustains life. Exploring it supports interests in biology, ecology, climate change, and stewardship,
