HONOLULU – The wonderful world around us will come to life when Nature’s Numbers and A Forest Journey open at Bishop Museum on Saturday, January 29, 2005. Developed by The Franklin Institute Science Museum and supported by Horizon Lines, the two traveling exhibitions feature hands-on activities that will teach visitors about the glory of the natural world, including the nature of math and the math found in nature. Adding to the exhibit will be a local component featuring the Sierpinski Pyramid, a mathematical masterpiece being built by Damien Memorial School geometry students.

From the pattern of spots on a dog to the delicate symmetry of a butterfly wing to the ruggedness of a coastline, our physical world is filled with intricate patterns, shapes and symmetry—all of which involve math. Nature’s Numbers challenges visitors to discover the nature of math through hands-on interactive components located at four activity stations. Repeating Patterns explores patterns found in nature such as snowflakes or plants. Basic Shapes & Structures offers children the opportunity to discover and become familiar with shapes found in nature. Designs in Nature examines arches in rock formations and spirals in seashells and the math behind them, while Mathematical Inquiry allows visitors to solve nature’s puzzles.

A Forest Journey takes visitors on a trip through the history of wood and its usage throughout the world. Interactive components shed light on the greenhouse effect, tree life cycles and evolution, types of forests, and the connection between science and trees. Inspired by the Harvard classic “A Forest Journey: The Role of Wood in the Development of Civilization,” this exhibit emphasizes the importance of conservation and environmental awareness.

Comprised of 4,096 little triangles, 10,000 coffee stir sticks and 250 rolls of tape, the Sierpinski Pyramid is a test of mathematics in various forms. Damien Memorial School geometry students will build this 20-foot-tall structure over the course of four months, offering a closer look at geometry in motion in addition to hands-on activities.

Nature’s Numbers and A Forest Journey will be on display in the Castle Memorial Building through May 8, 2005. The Sierpinski Pyramid, also located in Castle Hall, will be a work-in-progress display from January through May.

A treasured resource of Hawaiian history and heritage, Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop as a tribute to his wife Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha dynasty. Located at 1525 Bernice Street, the Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $14.95 for adults; $11.95 for youth 4-12 years; special rates for kama`āina, seniors and military; and free for children under 4 years of age and Bishop Museum Association members. For more information, call 847-3511 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org.