Sea symmetry
This is a level 2 geometry activity from the Figure It Out theme series. A PDF of the student activity is included.
About this resource
Figure It Out is a series of 80 books published between 1999 and 2009 to support teaching and learning in New Zealand classrooms.
This resource provides the teachers’ notes and answers for one activity from the Figure It Out series. A printable PDF of the student activity can be downloaded from the materials that come with this resource.
Specific learning outcomes:
- Complete geometric patterns showing reflection.
Sea symmetry
Achievement objectives
GM2-7: Predict and communicate the results of translations, reflections, and rotations on plane shapes.
Required materials
- Figure It Out, Level 2–3, Theme: Under the Sea, "Sea symmetry", page 4
- a mirror
- tracing paper
See Materials that come with this resource to download:
- Sea symmetry activity (.pdf)
Activity
In this activity, students complete shapes that have reflection symmetry. Students can complete the drawings in two ways:
- Use a mirror along the line of symmetry, and draw the image that they see in the mirror.
- Draw one half of the shape, fold it along the line of symmetry, and trace the other half against a window, if necessary.
Key points about reflection are:
- Corresponding distances from the line of symmetry must be equal.
- Orientation is opposite.
Encourage students to make sea creatures with rotational symmetry (see page 16 of Geometry, Level 2–3, in the Figure It Out series).
Activity 1
Teacher to check
Activity 2
Answers will vary.
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