Line and Rotational Symmetry

Before creating holiday cards, students learned how they relate to math.  Instantly, they said cards have line symmetry.  A figure has line symmetry if it can be folded along a line so that the two halves match exactly.  A figure has rotational symmetry if it can be rotated less than 360 degrees about a point and fit exactly on itself. Students used pattern block pieces to place them in a venn diagram according to its symmetry. The shapes outside the circles had neither line nor rotational symmetry.



Why do students need to know or be able to do this?

• Students explore symmetry of shapes around them.
• Students classify figures seen around them.



Excited!

I hope you are as excited as I am about math and science!  Over the holiday break, be sure to review the requirements for the science fair and think about your topic to investigate.  Consider these three questions:  What will you test?  What are your variables?  How will you measure the results?  The science fair participation forms are due on January 13th.  You need approval from your teacher before submitting your form, so get them in early.