Combining Geometry, Science, and Art to Create Crystal Nanoflowers

What can art the size of the width of a human hair teach us about science?

Looking around, we see geometry in nature everywhere. From the smallest structures to some of the largest, we find a world of beautiful patterns and shapes. So, how does nature make all of its beautiful structures?

Scientists Wim Nooduin and Joanna Aizenberg research the beauty of the microscopic world. Using chemistry they create microscopic crystals to build forms the world has never seen before. These beautiful crystal nanoflowers combine science and art into geometric sculpture.

How To Create Microscopic Crystal Flowers

Why It Matters

Geometry is in every corner of our universe, even the microscopic part. We are surrounded by beautiful examples of natural art and geometry. Think about the artistic complexity of a snowflake or the shape of a honeycomb. If we start to notice it, geometry is all around us.

Wim and Joanna’s work is particularly interesting because they take subjects like chemistry and geometry and combine them with the arts. This kind of creativity is important to thinking more innovatively about how new materials and structures could be used!

Let's Talk About It

What are some other examples of geometry in nature?
What are some ways scientists could change the shapes and properties of these crystals?
How does creative experimentation lead to innovation?

Citations

“How To Create Microscopic Crystal Flowers.” YouTube. The Creators Project, 30 May 2014. Web. 11 Feb. 2016. < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kANQADFVTQ >.