Symmetry is proof that math is beautiful! Teaching symmetry to upper elementary students can be a great adventure, full of hands-on activities and visual wonders. In this blog post, I’m sharing eight of my favorite ideas that will not only teach the principles of symmetry but also tap into students’ creativity and artistic expression.
Painter’s Tape Masterpiece
Begin by providing small square canvases and painter’s tape. Review the definition of symmetry and tell students to create a symmetrical design using the tape. Once their designs are set, encourage them to paint over the tape with vibrant colors. After the paint dries, carefully remove the tape to reveal a stunning symmetrical art project.
Teaching Symmetry with Pattern Blocks
Pattern blocks offer a hands-on experience with symmetry. Provide students with pattern blocks and challenge them to create symmetrical designs more complex than those kinder and first-grade designs such as mandalas. Encourage them to identify lines of symmetry within their creations. If you want designs that will last, you can have students work with construction paper pattern blocks to create a design to glue onto art paper.
Nature’s Symmetry Scavenger Hunt
Take the class outside for a nature walk and have them hunt for examples of symmetry in the natural world. Leaves are a perfect example! This activity provides real-world context and reinforces observation skills and is a great educational excuse to get outside on a nice day! You can also encourage students to notice the symmetry in architecture while you are outside.
Teaching Symmetry with Snowflakes
Paper snowflakes are almost a right of passage for elementary students! Fold and cut paper to create symmetrical snowflakes. This activity combines math and art, resulting in beautiful, unique creations.
Classroom Symmetry Scavenger Hunt
Encourage students to identify symmetrical elements within the classroom. They can photograph or draw these objects and present their findings to the class, highlighting lines of symmetry.
Teaching Symmetry with Student’s Names
Have students write their names in block letters. Then, challenge them to identify and draw lines of symmetry within each letter. This activity combines personalization with math exploration.
Symmetrical Cookies
Bake sugar cookies and have students use decorations to create a symmetrical design. Once they have finished, have them fold the cookie in half to see how symmetrical they really are!
Symmetrical Creatures
Provide students with various materials such as yarn, beads, pom-poms, cotton balls and crayons. Then, have them create symmetrical creatures of their own, using the given materials. This will encourage their creativity and reinforce the concept of symmetry.
For even more fun practice with symmetry check out this lesson on symmetry!
I hope these ideas inspire you to have a little creative fun teaching symmetry! By incorporating creative and hands-on activities, students will not only have a deeper understanding of what symmetry is but also see how it plays out in their everyday lives.