You are probably familiar with a basic math problem like 3 + 2 = 5. Mathematicians don’t call these problems; they call them equations. The equal sign means that the expressions on the left side and right side of the equal sign are the same, or you could think of them as being balanced.
Math doesn’t always involve adding and subtracting numbers. Finding patterns in things is the first step in becoming a mathematician. After spotting a pattern, a mathematician uses the math tools to find a way to recreate that pattern. In this Adventure, you’ll have fun making “trail mix math.” Then, you’ll look to nature and discover a world of mathematics called symmetry in which things are balanced.
Prior to any activity, use Scouting America SAFE Checklist to ensure the safety of all those involved.
All participants in official Scouting America activities should become familiar with the Guide to Safe Scouting and applicable program literature or manuals.
Be aware of state or local government regulations that supersede Scouting America practices, policies, and guidelines.
To assist in the safe delivery of the program you may find specific safety items that are related to requirements for the Adventure.
For requirement 1, before starting this Adventure:
Before starting this Adventure, review Digital Safety and Online Scouting Activities.
Before conducting a craft activity, review the Craft Tips video (2 minutes 34 seconds.)
Make trail mix using trail mix math.
Identify an animal that has a pattern to its physical appearance. Investigate how the animal uses its pattern.
Find examples of bilateral symmetry in nature.
Find examples of radial symmetry in nature.
Make trail mix using trail mix math.
Identify an animal that has a pattern to its physical appearance. Investigate how the animal uses its pattern.
Pick an animal with a pattern and learn about it.
Find examples of bilateral symmetry in nature.
Find bilateral symmetry in nature using a scavenger hunt.
Cub Scouts take a walk and take pictures of things they believe have bilateral symmetry.
Find examples of radial symmetry in nature.
Find radial symmetry in nature using a scavenger hunt.
Cub Scouts take a walk and take pictures of things they believe have radical symmetry.
Director, Global Security Innovative
Strategies
Bray Barnes is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver
Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Learning for Life Distinguished
Service Award. He received the Messengers of Peace Hero award from
the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and he’s a life member of
the 101st Airborne Association and Vietnam Veterans Association. Barnes
serves as a senior fellow for the Global Federation of Competitiveness
Councils, a nonpartisan network of corporate CEOs, university presidents, and
national laboratory directors. He has also served as a senior executive for the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading the first-responder program
and has two U.S. presidential appointments
Managing Member Calje
David Alexander is a Baden-Powell Fellow, Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist, and recipient of the Silver Buffalo and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the founder of Caljet, one of the largest independent motor fuels terminals in the U.S. He has served the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association, Teen Lifeline, and American Heart Association. A triathlete who has completed hundreds of races, Alexander has also mentored the women’s triathlon team at Arizona State University.
President, CEO & Managing Director
Stonetex Oil Corp.
Glenn Adams is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the former president of the National Eagle Scout Association and established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. He has more than 40 years of experience in the oil, gas, and energy fields, including serving as a president, owner, and CEO. Adams has also received multiple service awards from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.