Inline with Symmetry
Lesson Four
Duration
Two class periods
Objectives
Students will compare symmetry in nature
Students will describe symmetry in organisms
Students will create symmetrical figures using geoboards
Materials
Symmetry Observation worksheet, geoboard,
Foss Science Kit on
structures of life (organisms) and kaleidoscope
Vocabulary
symmetry bilateral
symmetry translation
plane symmetry
reflection symmetry
Activities
Before lesson place organisms on tables at "different stations" where students
will be observing.
Read book Let's Fly a Kite by Murphy Stuart. Discuss the book with students, ask questions to determine understanding of concept being taught. Pass kaleidoscope among students, have them look through to see the patters and symmetry that form.
Students are given their own Symmetry Observation worksheet were they will record characteristics of symmetry for each organism observed.
Distribute geoboards and pair students with a partner. Have one student draw part of a figure and then pass the geoboard to his or her partner to finish the figure so that is has a line of symmetry.
Assessment
Teacher will walk around the room observing students as they move among the
stations, ask them questions pertaining to their observations and evaluate their
learning using a rubric.
Home Learning
Have students determine which letters of the alphabet have symmetry when folded
and write all the letters that apply on a piece of paper.
Extension
Students can visit web site to see Symmetry Around the World at
http://schools.ash.org.au/stkierans-manly/Classes/Yr6/6B/Symmetry/index.htm
