Fibonacci Sequence Projects for Kids
Have you ever heard of the Fibonacci sequence? It’s a really cool math sequence where starting from zero each number is the sum of the two before it. So in itself that shows a pretty cool pattern – but the really cool part is when you start finding this sequence in nature! You can find it in pinecones, flowers, shells and stars! I’ll tell you – once you learn this sequence and recognize its pattern you will start to see it everywhere!
Fabulous Fibonacci: The Fibonacci Sequence for Kids
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Who was Fibonacci?
Leonardo Pisano , also known as Leonardo Fibonacci was an Italian mathematician from Pisa who is widely credited with popularizing the Fibonacci sequence.
What is the Fibonacci Sequence?
The Fibonacci Sequence is a pattern of numbers where each number in the sequence is the sum of the two numbers before it.
The beginning of the sequence looks like this…
0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55…
You can see the math behind it here!
0+1=1
1+1=2
1+2=3
2+3=5
3+5=8
How cool is that?
Fibonacci Activities
If you’re looking for some fun – hands-on activities to reinforce learning this cool sequence, I have some fun ideas the kids will love!
Activity Idea #1: Hands On Math Building Fibonacci
What do I need:
Domino blocks, keva planks or some other math manipulative.
What to Do:
Using the image as a guide, build the Fibonacci Sequence. You can have the kids lay the blocks representing the numbers flat on the table or have them build a structure that will show Fibonacci in action.
Activity Idea #2: Tech it Up with Fibonacci
What do I need:
A computer, chromebook or other device that will run with Google Sheets (Or Microsoft Excel or Apple Numbers)
What do I do?
Have the kids create a blank spreadsheet or provide them with a blank template depending on the individual skill level and what will work best for your class.
Once they have the blank sheet, make all of the columns square. To do this in Google Sheets you can highlight all of the column headers and drag one of the guides until they are squared up, or you can highlight the column headers, right click and choose RESIZE COLUMNS – size for square columns is 25.
Once they have their page set, start building your Fibonacci spiral. I started at 13P, which I left white, next 14P which I used the FILL TOOL to color it red. Next comes two so we will make a 2×2 square by filling 13 and 14 N and O in orange. From there you need a 3×3, then a 5×5. Continue using the fill tool to create a visual representation of the Fibonacci sequence.
Alternatively if you don’t have devices or want a screen free option, use simple graph paper and colored pencils or markers.
Activity Idea #3: Build a Fibonacci Flower
What do I need?
Colored paper (A variety)
Ruler
Scissors
Glue Stick
What do I do?
Start by writing out the Fibonacci numbers: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13 as a reference.
Draw circles on your colored paper with diameters that match the Fibonacci Sequence. (1 inch, 2 inch, 3 inch, 5 inch etc), make as many as you would like and then cut out the circles.
Starting with your biggest circle, glue it down to a full sheet of paper. Then work your way down to the one inch circles, gluing each “petal” in place as you go. The two one inch circles can go side by side or overlap a bit in the middle. Add a stem and some leaves and you have an adorable Fibonacci Flower.
Fibonacci in Nature
This activity is actually a great lead in to the real WOW as kids connect with nature and math! Talk to the kids about how this sequence can be found in the world all over the place. Go on a scouting mission to FIND FIBONACCI. Some of my favorite places…
A human ear
Pinecones
Sunflowers
Roses (a lot of flowers actually but it is easier to see the spiral on roses)
Snail Shells
Check it out and see how many you and the kids can find!
You can also discover the Fibonacci Sequence in fossils. This is a specimen my from personal collection of an Ammonite that clearly shows the natural Fibonacci Sequence. And if you look closely, you will also see a fossil, within this fossil. So cool!
If you want to add an additional challenge to this – see if they can find things in nature representing the Fibonacci numbers and take pictures of them to make a visual representation of the sequence. Think…3-leaf clovers, 5-petal flowers, 8-legged spiders, and so on. At the end you can print the pictures and let them create a collage or digital presentation of their findings. This is a great way to practice, pattern spotting in nature, hone their observation skills, and collect visual documentation.
Why Does the Fibonacci Sequence Matter?
The Fibonacci Sequence isn’t just a cool pattern—it’s a small peek into how nature, art, and math are all connected. These hands-on activities give students a chance to: Practice math in a creative way, recognize patterns in the world around them and practice some real world investigating. Whether you’re leading a classroom project or running a STEM camp, these engaging activities offer a perfect mix of exploration and discovery.