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In this project we’re applying our math skills to make robotic blooming flowers. We’ll determine the number of petals on our flower using the Fibonacci sequence. Are we making 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 petals? You decide!

Ready to make this project at home or in your classroom? Watch the video for an overview, gather the materials listed to the right, and follow the instructions below!

Required Materials

  • corrugated cardboard
  • string
  • 2 straws
  • scissors
  • tape
  • chop stick
  • pen, pencil, or other writing tools

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1

Create a flower petal template on the corrugated cardboard. To do this draw a petal using a writing utensil and use the scissors to cut it out.

Step 2

Use the petal template you just created to trace and cut out three identical petals. Set them to the side. Note: you can make as many petals as you want using the Fibonacci sequence. Just make sure to cut more pieces of string and straw.

Step 3

Using the scissors again take a plastic straw and cut it into three equal lengths.

Step 4

Attach your three plastic straw pieces around and parallel to the chopstick using tape. Now set it all aside.

Step 5

Take the second straw and also cut it into three equal pieces. Tape each piece to the pointed end of each petal.

Step 6

Cut your string into three long equal pieces.

Step 7

Make a small hole at the top of each petal and thread your string through each one, tying a knot at the end. Use a piece of tape to secure the knot to the petal.

Step 8

Thread the string through the straws at the base of your petal and then down through the straws around your chopstick.

Step 9

Using tape secure your petals to the top of the chopstick in a flower design.

Step 10

Pull the bottom of the strings to make your flower bloom!