Hexagons: Nature’s Favourite Shape

Hexagons: Nature’s Favourite Shape

From Educasement by Bridget Casement

May 14, 2026 · 26 min · Season 1 · Episode 11

About this episode

This episode explores the prevalence and significance of hexagons in nature and design.

Ever noticed how often hexagons appear in the world around us? Wondered why honeycombs use six sides, or how one of the world’s strongest materials is built from the very same pattern? Then this episode is for you! What begins as a simple look at a six-sided figure, soon turns into a fascinating discussion about efficiency, strength, and why certain patterns appear again and again throughout the natural world. Together, they uncover the science behind honeycombs, snowflakes and ice crystals, pencil design, strange hexagonal patterns on Saturn, and graphene — the remarkable material made from carbon atoms arranged in hexagons, often described as one of the strongest materials ever discovered. A thoughtful and curious look at how one simple shape quietly appears in some of nature’s smartest designs. Punctuated with funny moments, spontaneous outbursts and ending with a joke and a tongue-twister song - this episode has it all! Sources & further learning: Thanks to CGP Grey for this video which inspired the topic…and for bringing us the phrase ‘hexagons are the bestagons’ https://youtu.be/thOifuHs6eY?si=VCdGgzifEqU0MGh4 Main show description: Theo Casement is a curious kid with a…

People in this episode

Host: Bridget Casement

Topics covered

  • hexagons
  • nature
  • science
  • efficiency
  • patterns
  • honeycombs
  • graphene

Keywords

  • hexagons
  • honeycombs
  • science
  • nature
  • graphene
  • patterns
  • efficiency

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: CGP Grey

Books & works: hexagons are the bestagons

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