fibonacci sequence. It's a pattern found in shells too I think.

Does it have something to do with fibonacci?

can you make some videos on baking soda? there is so many things to do with it and i dont know half!

The numbers are in the Fibonacci Sequence. You can also find examples of this sequence in sunflowers and the pineapple. You find each consecutive number by adding the previous two together. The way the numbers relate to the pinecone is that you start in the center with one, then spread in intervals outward according to that pattern. We found a good animation for it here (though we already did know what you were asking because we listen to The Adventures of Jonathan Park on cd and they talk about it a lot!):
http://britton.disted.camosun.bc.ca/fibslide/fibanim5.gif

The kids love your site and are always telling me what new thing they saw you do today---from ages 2-14! Thank you!!

The numbers are the Fibronacci series, right? So, hmmm, each spiral has the next number in the series. It almost looks like a fractal.

I'm obscure and a little muddled so I am probably wrong...
Is it how many seed are in a row?
Kenzie (By the way... you have a really cool camera! It catches every detail!)

it relates in the fact that ther is 1 plate than another then 2 then 5 etc..

the numbers are the amount of scales in each of the concentric rings beginning at the top center of the pine cone.