Hawaiʻi State Department of Education
Symmetrical Objects
In order to better understand how to locate a plane of symmetry in 3-dimensional objects, learners create a dance. The class reviews dance and math symmetry, then they practice making symmetrical shapes and movements with a partner. They...
Teachers Network
A World of Symmetry: Math-Geometry
Define and identify the three basic forms of symmetry translation, rotation, and glides with your class. They cut out and arrange paper pattern blocks to illustrate symmetry, create a Cartesian graph, and design a rug with a symmetrical...
Curated OER
Surface Area of a Leaf (Grades 7-9)
In this math and science activity, students read about the process of photosynthesis and plant growth. They determine how a plant's ability to create food is dependent on the surface area of its leaves using geometric calculations. They...
Curated OER
Lost Treasures of Tibet: Mandalas
Students examine the history of mandalas from Tibet. After reviewing the Designing a Mandala handout, they use geometric symmetrical shapes to create their own examples. Next, they write poems or essays and explain the meaning of the...
Curated OER
Making Germ Monsters
Students explore germs. In this literacy and health lesson, students listen to the book Germs! Germs! Germs! by Bobbi Katz and discuss methods that prevent the spreading of germs. Students cut symmetrical shapes out of construction paper...
Curated OER
Symmetrical Design: Pennsylvania Barn Signs
Second graders explain and apply the visual arts elements and the design principle of symmetry and apply media, techniques, and processes. In addition, they describe how different materials, techniques, and processes cause different...
Improving Measurement and Geometry in Elementary Schools
Rep Tiles
In addition to the catchy title, this lesson plan provides upper graders an opportunity to more closely scrutinize the attributes of plane figures. In particular, they focus on the similarity of different shapes. Both whole-class and...
Curated OER
Geoboard Ideas
Students build polygons on their geoboards. In this geometry lesson plan, students build and then draw it on paper and label it. Students then switch with a partner to try an make a symmetrical shape.
Curated OER
Symmetry Butterflies
There is one creature that comes to mind every time I hear the words shape and symmetry, the butterfly. Young artists can explore these concepts as they create butterfly designs that use repeated shape patterns and bi-lateral symmetry....
Mathematics Vision Project
Module 5: Modeling with Geometry
Solids come in many shapes and sizes. Using geometry, scholars create two-dimensional cross-sections of various three-dimensional objects. They develop the lesson further by finding the volume of solids. The module then shifts to finding...
Cornell University
Constructing and Visualizing Topographic Profiles
Militaries throughout history have used topography information to plan strategies, yet many pupils today don't understand it. Scholars use Legos and a contour gauge to understand how to construct and visualize topographic profiles. This...
Curated OER
Understanding Symmetry Through Visual Art
Have your class explore symmetry, radial balance and fractional parts in natural and man-made objects in their environment. Learners list examples and identify symmetrical and asymmetrical designs. Pupils are given a box of crayons and...
National Gallery of Canada
A Unity Wall Drawing
Build class community with an art project. Learners first examine and discuss works of art. They then contribute to a class mural by tracing their hands and decorating them in relation to their own cultures. The final mural incorporates...
Curated OER
Geometric Basketball Court
Students calculate the area and perimeter of a basketball court. In this geometry lesson, students differentiate between similarity and congruence of geometric objects. They test conjectures and use it to solve problems.
Curated OER
Reflections
Fifth graders create a reflection of a poygon using a Mira. They discover that a line connecting a vertiex of a polygon and the corresponding vertex of its reflection is perpendicular to the line of reflection. Students create a glide...
Curated OER
Symmetry of Road Signs
Students identify symmetry in road signs. In this geometry lesson, students explore objects in the real world for symmetry. They perform translation, rotation and reflection.
Curated OER
Perching Parrot
Students explore the concepts of center of mass and static equilibrium by seeing how non-symmetrical objects balance. They also analyze why all forces on an object must cancel out exactly for an object to be stationary.
Curated OER
Flying Wing
Fifth graders create a flying wing from a pastry tray. For this flying wing lesson, 5th graders understand how the shape of the wind affects flight. Students compare the flying wing to the zanonia seed in nature. Students make changes in...
Curated OER
Symmetry in Paper Airplanes
Students explore symmetry. In this geometry and scientific inquiry instructional activity, students design paper airplanes with middle line symmetry, as well as right, obtuse, and acute angles. Students measure the plane's angles using...
Curated OER
Math: a World of Symmetry
Students expand their knowledge of quadrilaterals and identify basic symmetrical forms. Over three weeks, they explore the math, application, and discussion of symmetry. After conducting Internet research, students create symmetrical...
Dick Blick Art Materials
Glue Paint Symmetry Prints
Add watercolors to white glue, paint onto clear film paper, fold, open, and voila, a butterfly! This art project, designed for special education classes, but perfect for any classroom, is sure to engage your young artists.
Curated OER
Watching Crystals Grow
Students observe crystal growth of Epsom salts and the variables that hinder or help their nucleation and growth. They illustrate a series of drawings/pictures as the crystals grow. They look for the different shapes they form as well...
Curated OER
Drawing Lines of Symmetry
Third graders explore the concept of symmetry using geometric shapes, capital letters and various other shapes. They fold shapes to show symmetry, draw lines of symmetry and create symmetrical designs.
Curated OER
Facial Tattoos or Face Painting
Students use a grid-like method to create a life-size self-portrait from a 3X5 black and white photo. They explore the different customs and rituals surrounding face painting from ancient through modern civilizations. Students create a...