Mandala challenge (Go Wild for Maths!)
Hi greenthumbs. It’s dirtgirl here!
Are you ready to Go Wild for Maths? I challenge you to make a nature mandala. We’re exploring symmetry, patterns and shapes.
watch the mandale episode
Watch the ‘mandala’ episode on ABC iview to see how to make a nature mandala.
what you need to gather
Before you start and go outside, you’ll need to gather the following things:
a basket or fabric bag to collect your nature objects
a camera
what to collect outside
Now it’s time to go outside and collect your nature objects to make your mandala.
Go on a little nature walk and gather lots of leaves, flowers, petals, sticks, pine cones, rocks and nuts.
Try to find at least four of each different object.
how to make your mandala
There’s no one way to do this challenge, but here are some ideas to get you started!
Find a peaceful and quiet place to make your mandala.
Sort your different types of nature objects into piles. As you do this, look closely at each object to see if you can spy any shapes or patterns on them.
Pick one special item to go in the centre. Then start placing other items around it to make your own repeating patterns and circular layers.
When you’ve finished, take a moment to sit and look at your creation. Talk about what you can see and what you love about it.
Don’t forget to snap a photo of your nature mandala!
Gently pick up your mandala objects and place them back in nature. Or, you can leave your mandala right where it is and let nature look after it.
fun fact
The word mandala is a Sanskrit term meaning ‘circle’. Mandala patterns are all around you in flowers and nature.
say hello!
I love it when you share your adventures with us. Post any of your videos, photos or drawings to social media and tag them #dirtgirlworld #gowildformaths. Send me a letter to dirtgirl@dirtgirlworld.com (under 3MB, our mailbox is tiny!). Or snail mail me at dirtgirl at dirtgirlworld C/O Whiporie PO, NSW AUSTRALIA 2469. Let me know if you are happy for me to share them online or if they are for my eyes only. I understand if you have family privacy rules and we always respect that!
