207 Nature Inspired Visual Statements Anna Ursyn University of Northern Colorado, USA Visual Tweet: Chapter 12 ABSTRACT "Visual Tweet: nature inspired visual statements" explores connections between science, computing, and art in a similar way as it is done in the previous chapter, "Looking at sciences through the water." This chapter examines concepts and processes that relate to some fields in physics, biology, computing, and other sciences, and at the same time pertain to the planet's life and humanity's everyday experience. This chapter solves the projects visually, through art and/or graphics. Exploration of science-based concepts and nature-related processes support the understanding of the project themes, triggers imagination, and thus inspires enhancements to the ability to communicate with visual language and create artistic work. Comprehension of what is observed, the power of abstract thought, and an answer to evolving issues will result in personal visual projects ­ drawings, graphics, illustrations, animations, video clips, or web projects. This chapter comprises two projects about science-related themes: (1) Symmetry and pattern in animal world: geometry and art, and (2) Crystals and crystal caves. Each project invites the reader to create visual presentation of this theme. PROJECT 1: SYMMETRY AND PATTERN IN ANIMAL WORLD: GEOMETRY AND ART Introduction to Project "Symmetry and Pattern in Animal World" When we plan to create biologically inspired art, the theme of symmetry can certainly be considered inspirational for many of us. It may be so because symmetrical forms and shapes possess an aesthetic DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-0942-6.ch012 beauty and an order reflected by their geometry. Also, it is so because there are so many kinds of symmetry existing not only in geometry but also in natural world and human works. For example, water, when in liquid state, has bilateral symmetry, with the symmetric stretch of the two O-H bonds and some molecular vibrations (Kettle, 2007); when frozen, water becomes symmetrical in vari- ous ways (however, not always) usually develop- ing the hexagonal crystals. Ice, snowflakes, feather ice on the twigs, hail, sleet, icicles, glaciers, and polar caps, all have their own order of symmetry Copyright © 2012, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited.