Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Geometry - What is Rotational Symmetry?


Rotational Symmetry is when a figure is rotated less than a full turn around its center point so that it would fit perfectly on the original shape. 


Many natural and man-made objects are symmetrical in 2 and 3 dimensions.







Snowflakes and the petals of some flowers have rotational symmetry.



Suggested Activities for Students

  • Have students explore their homes and classrooms to look for examples of rotational symmetry.







        • Have students explore their outdoor environment to look for examples of rotational symmetry. Take a camera!












        • Have students look in magazines, catalogs, books, etc. for pictures of rotational symmetry.








        • Have students identify, sketch, and/or label shapes that have rotational symmetry. All regular polygons (and regular polyhedra) have rotational symmetry.

        Circle







        • Have students use GEOBOARDS to create rotational symmetry designs.








        • Have students use GEOMETRIC SHAPES or other MANIPULATIVES to create rotational symmetry designs.

        Attribute Blocks




        Pattern Blocks










        • Have students use Art Materials to create rotational symmetry designs. 
                    ~ Art Supplies - crayons, colored pencils, paint, etc.
                    ~ Stickers
                    ~ Dot Paper
                    ~ Grid Paper
                    ~ Popsicle Sticks
                    ~ Pretzel Sticks
                    ~ Etc.



            • View videos about symmetry. Click on the links below.

                          ~ Rotational Symmetry - 3rd grade lesson 

                          ~ Identify and Describe Rotational Symmetry

                          ~ Order of Rotational Symmetry


            • Read books about Symmetry




                Have fun with Symmetry!

                1 comment:

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