Mathigon
Mathigon: Geometry: Symmetry in Physics
This lesson focuses on symmetry in physics. The laws of nature are the name given collectively to the physical rules (usually expressed as mathematical equations) that try to explain everything we observe in the universe.
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: G Co Seven Circles Ii
In this task, seven pennies are placed in a circle so that they are all touching one in the center and their neighbors. Students are asked to find as many rigid motions of the plane as they can which are symmetries of this configuration...
Success Link
Success Link: Symmetry Activity
Use this lesson plan to assess students' understanding of symmetry and their ability to express that understanding both in writing and with paper.
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: G Co Symmetries of a Quadrilateral I
Suppose ABCD is a quadrilateral for which there is exactly one rotation, through an angle larger than 0 degrees and less than 360 degrees, which maps it to itself. Further, no reflections map ABCD to itself. What shape is ABCD? Aligns...
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: G Co Symmetries of a Quadrilateral Ii
There is exactly one reflection and no rotation that sends the convex quadrilateral ABCD onto itself. What shape(s) could quadrilateral ABCD be? Explain. Aligns with G-CO.A.3.
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: G Co Symmetries of Rectangles
This task examines the rigid motions which map a rectangle onto itself. The emphasis here is on careful reasoning using the definitions of reflections and rotations. Aligns with G-CO.A.3.
Cornell University
Cornell University: Isometries and Patterns
Shows the different kinds of isometries and patterns, and gives examples of each kind. Includes definitions, terminology, examples, and problems.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Elem Math: Identify and Count the Lines of Symmetry in Various Shapes
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Students watch a video and take an assessment on identifying and counting lines of symmetry in various shapes.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Algebra: Midpoint Formula
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] This concept introduces midpoints of line segments.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Geometry: Rotations
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] This concept teaches students what rotations are and how to find the coordinates of rotated figures.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Geometry: Reflections
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] This concept teaches students about reflections and how to find the coordinates of a reflected figure.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: The Science of Symmetry
Colm Kelleher unpacks symmetry and explains how animals' distinct symmetries can tell us more about them- and ourselves. [5:09]
Rice University
Rice University: Cynthia Lanius: Designer Fractions Symmetry
This site takes a look at symmetry, with a special focus on line symmetry. Here you will find a definition, as well as several examples and real-world applications.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Geometry: Symmetry and Tessellations Study Guide
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Provides a brief overview of the different types of symmetry and of how to tessellate a shape.
Mathigon
Mathigon: Geometry: Symmetry
This lesson focuses on symmetry including reflectional symmetry, rotational symmetry, and palindromes. It defines each, gives examples, and practice activities.
Savvas Learning
Hmong Embroidery Connections to Mathematics
This short lesson uses the art of Hmong "flower cloth" (paj ntaub) to help students learn about symmetry. Includes two suggested children's books you can use to learn more about Hmong culture.
Other
Frieze Patterns: Mathematics and the Liberal Arts
Provides a listing of books that are useful in research on this topic.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: Why Are Fish Fish Shaped?
Lauren Sallan explains why certain fish features are so common, and what it reveals about fish.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Origami Geometry
Origami (ori-folding, kami-paper) is the traditional Japanese art of folding paper. Students will discover relationships between shapes as they are actively engaged in this hands on geometry lesson to learn basic geometric shapes, their...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Who's Line Is It Anyway?
In this lesson students will learn about line of symmetry in real life objects. An interactive web lesson is used to engage students and give a multitude of real life examples with some interactive practice. The lesson also includes an...
Better Lesson
Better Lesson: Attributes of Shapes
Students will identify the attributes of shapes and use those attributes to draw and describe shapes. This lesson contains a detailed plan, pictures of student work, and videos of the lesson in action.
Better Lesson
Better Lesson: Measurement and Symmetry
Second graders use a variety of measurement tools to measure both small and larger distances.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Symmetry of 2 D Shapes
Analyze various shapes according to their reflective and rotational symmetries.