What patterns do you see?
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standards:
Algebra: Understand patterns, relationships, and functions
Geometry: Apply transformations and use symmetry to analyze mathematicial
situations
National Science Education Standards
Content Standard C: Life Science - Characteristics of organisms
This activity helps students extend and create patterns. They will
also explore symmetry and connect it with animals, bugs, and objects.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
What do we already know about patterns?
- Identifying patterns is an important skill in understanding math and
science. Patterns can be seen all around us.
- Patterns are often associated with symmetry.
- Symmetry is found in nature from flowers, to bugs, to animals.
- Symmetry is a balance.
- One type of symmetry can be seen when objects have matching parts or
shapes on both sides of a centerline.
Activity - Patterns and Symmetry
white paper, two 3-inch black pipe cleaners, crayons or markers,
scissors
Pre-Lesson Instructions:
- Create an overhead transparency of the kites. As a class, ask students
to identify the patterns in the kites.
- Review patterns and symmetry by watching the video newsbreak "What patterns
do you see?"
- Looking at the kites on the overhead transparency, discuss the patterns. Ask
students how they might create a pattern code to describe the patterns on the
kites. (Example: ABABAB, AABAAB)
Create an overhead transparency of these kites.
- Discuss whether the kites show symmetry. What is symmetry? It can be
matching parts or shapes on both sides of a centerline. The basic kite
shape has symmetry. Some of the patterns on the kites have symmetry. Symmetry
helps to create balance. The line of symmetry is the line that divides an
object equally.
- Draw some shapes and discuss whether the shapes are symmetrical. Some
suggestions, in addition to the kites, might be:
- Discuss the line of symmetry. Demonstrate how a heart is symmetrical by
folding a piece of paper in half and drawing half the heart shape along the
fold. Cut out the heart. Open the fold to show your symmetrical heart.
Discuss how balanced and equal the heart is. With a marker, draw a line
down the middle to show line of symmetry.
- Tell the class they are going to make a butterfly the same way. Take
this time to discuss how a butterfly's pattern on its wings is symmetrical
(color and patterns).
- Pass out white paper and have the students fold them in half. They will draw
half of a butterfly wing along the fold. Ask students to cut out the shape
and unfold. Ask students to draw a line along the fold to show the line
of symmetry.
- Ask students to decorate the butterflies. Remind the students about how the
colors and patterns on the wings have to be the same on both wings just like
real butterflies.
- After the butterfly wings are decorated, distribute two 3-inch pipe
cleaners for each student. Tape the pipe cleaners on the back of the butterfly
for antennas.
- Review the concepts of patterns and symmetry through words and drawings.
Extensions:
- Have students draw 10 symmetrical figures and cut them along their lines
of symmetry. Then, have students choose partners and exchange cut figures.
Partners should reassemble the figures correctly.
- Have students create their own silly animals. The only requirement is
that it has to be symmetrical. After their creations are finished, display each
one and give it a name.
- Give each student yarn or string (enough to make a necklace) and a handful
of colored circled cereal. Have them create their own
patterned necklaces with the cereal.
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