| Lesson start ideas | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | Mathematics |
| What age group | Doesn't matter |
| What topic | why apple is red |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
Have you ever wondered why apples are red? In this lesson, we'll explore the science and math behind the color of this famous fruit.
Before we dive into the science of apple colors, let's start with a fun warm-up activity to get our brains thinking about math and graphs.
Take a moment to think about your favorite type of apple. Then, in your notebook, create a bar graph that compares the number of votes each type of apple gets in your class (or group) by having a poll. Write the name of the apple on the x-axis and the number of votes on the y-axis.
Now that we've had some fun with graphs, let's explore the science behind why apples are red.
An apple's color is due to a pigment called anthocyanin. Anthocyanin is produced when an apple is exposed to sunlight and the temperature drops. When the temperature drops, a chemical reaction occurs, which causes the apple to turn red.
But why do apples need to be red? The answer is simple: it's to help the apple attract pollinators, such as bees. The bright red color serves as a signal to the bees that the apple is ripe and ready to be pollinated.
Aside from their color, apples also come in a variety of shapes. Did you know that there's a mathematical formula for the shape of an apple?
The shape of an apple can be described using an equation called a "superformula." This formula takes into account the curvature, symmetry, and elongation of the apple. By using this formula, we can predict the shape of different types of apples.
In this lesson, we explored the science and math behind why apples are red and their various shapes. Remember, there's always more to discover and explore in the world of mathematics!