The students demonstrated that they could tell the difference between symmetrical (design that is exactly the same on both sides) and asymmetrical (design that is different on each side). I introduced them to Sammy the Snake of Symmetry (he's really just a piece of green masking tape with eyes...shhh!) He attached himself to the middle of my face, running down the center of my body creating a line of symmetry. I moved my arms in different positions and the students had to tell me if my hand positions were symmetrical or asymmetrical by giving a "Thumbs Up-Symmetrical" or "Thumbs Down-Asymmetrical". Unfortunately there are no photos of me with Sammy.
They also were able to play the game by looking at several different designs to see if they could tell the difference between symmetrical and asymmetrical.
I demonstrated how they were going to create a butterfly that had symmetrical wings.
Step One:
Fold paper in half, trace around small dowel with a black oil pastel, draw butterfly wing on the right side only ( I gave them sample butterfly images for inspiration). Fold the paper in half and scratch over the lines (showing through) with fingernail. When paper is opened back up.......the wings are symmetrical!
Step Two:
Draw wing designs and patterns with the black oil pastel, periodically folding and scratching to symmetrically transfer the shapes.
Step Three:
Using watercolor paints, paint one shape on the right side of the butterfly, fold it in half and rub the back of the paper to transfer the color symmetrically. Paint on top of the left side to make the color bolder. Continue until the whole butterfly is colorful and.....symmetrical!
