Symmetry is one of those subjects I get excited about teaching. Symmetry is when an object or shape has identical sides. There are so many hands on projects that it is always a lot of fun to teach. Here are some of my favorite activities for teaching symmetry.
Symmetry Magazine Pictures
This is a fun one. Basically, the point of the project is to pick a symmetrical picture out of a magazine, cut it in half and then let the kids draw the other half. For younger kids, I usually pick a handful of magazine images that are not too hard to draw. For instance, I often cut out flowers or symmetrical fruit. For really young children, you could even cut out a heart or smiley face. Older kids can choose their own picture out of a magazine. Faces are challenging but good subjects. I often used to cut pictures out of the Time for Kids issues. Butterflies are great for this project.
After students have chosen their picture, they should glue it onto a white piece of paper. The objective is pretty easy; students must replicate the other side of the picture. The other side should be a mirror image of the original.
Have kids get some more practice with symmetry by using some of these activities. Included on this page is alphabet symmetry, a symmetry coloring design and symmetry sketching.
Interactive online sources
Try this interactive online line symmetry video. It has audio definitions of symmetry, line symmetry and reflection. It takes many images and folds them in half to show kids whether or not an image has line symmetry or not.
When students have learned the basic concepts of symmetry, have them try out this symmetry game. This games focuses on giving shapes and then asking kids how many lines of symmetry there are in each shape.
Another online activity is the symmetry activity that focuses on horizontal and vertical symmetry. This activity is more open-ended in that students get to create their own symmetrical shapes on a grid. I would suggest doing a modeled example first.
Symmetry artist is a game all kids love. Kids get to pick a line of symmetry, different colors and rotational symmetry. Then, they use the mouse to make some very pretty pictures.
Mathisfun.com has definitions and examples of all types of symmetry.
Reflection Name Symmetry
This lesson focuses on reflective symmetry. Students who do this must have good cutting skills. For this reason, I usually do this with upper graders. Students should take a piece of construction paper and fold it once “hot dog” style or the long way. Then, have them write their name in big letters so that the bottom of the name touches the folded part of the paper. Cursive looks nicer but printing is okay too. Then, students should cut out the name. The most important part is not to cut through where the letters touch the bottom fold. When unfolded, the end result is that students should have a reflection of their name. For instance, if mom were written, you would now have an upside down mom attached to it. It would look like mom on top of wow.
Symmetry is one of those areas that is best taught with hands on activities and visuals.
Sources:
Mathisfun.com
Superteacherworksheets.com
Linkslearning.org
Innovationslearning.com
haelmedia.com
