![]() Making predictions. After cutting but before opening the folded triangle, predict how many shapes will result from cutting just one line or shape.Practice doing this until you unfold a full circle! Then ask children to predict what this “pie piece” shape will look like when it’s unfolded. Shapes and spatial relations. Cut a quarter of a circle along the edge of one folded triangle.Shapes. Notice if the shapes you cut in the folded triangle change when you unfold the triangle.Counting. Count how many individual pieces of paper are stacked in the folded triangle (e.g., two if folded once four if folded twice). ![]() As you do this, look for opportunities to notice and talk about early math concepts, including: Step 3: Cut the folded triangle.ĭraw lines, curves, and shapes around the edges of your folded triangle and then cut them out. Repeat this step two more times so that you end up with an even smaller folded triangle. Once you have the paper square, fold it in half diagonally to form a triangle. ![]() You could also use a ruler to measure equal lengths on all four sides of the square. Then trim the strip of paper on the bottom. If using a standard piece of rectangular paper, take one corner and fold it diagonally to the straight edge. The equal sides of each square make sure each snowflake will be symmetrical after you’re done cutting. We absolutely adore math art projects as a great tool in STEAM ( science, technology, engineering, art/design, math) education.First prepare your paper so that it’s shaped like a square. Have the kids try it and see how exact their shapes are! It's all a learning process and the degree ( pun!) to which you want to delve into mathematical concepts is up to you. As the object makes one full turn, it will be an exact replica of itself four times. You can explain that a circle has infinite rotational symmetry but that a shape created by tracing and rotating a shape four times as this project demonstrates will have only 4th degree rotational symmetry. But because we are not using compasses and rulers and are generally being free-handed in our drawings, these shapes are not exact examples of objects with rotational symmetry. One thing to keep in mind as you are doing this project is that the object kids create will have rotational symmetry - meaning that it will have the same shape after a certain degree turn. You can see that the variations are endless! Repeat quarter turn rotation until you have traced the shape four times in total. The cardboard under your paper will protect your work surface and help to secure the shape during the rotation.Ĩ. Using the push pin, tack the cardboard shape to the paper. Place extra piece of cardboard under your paper.ĥ. We loved using watercolors ( this is the best set for kids), markers, and colored pencils.Ģ. I've mentioned before how we absolutely LOVE our mixed media paper journals. We created our rotational symmetry art in our art journals. My co-authors and I have collected 52 projects to inspire your kids to tinker, invent, create and play. (Note: this post contains affiliate links.)īefore we go any further, I'd like to tell you that this rotational symmetry art activity is from my ebook, STEAM Kids. I have always had to learn about math and geometry alongside my child because the last time I had a math class was in high school! But I think that is proof that you don't have to be fluent in mathematical principles to enjoy the gorgeous results of combining math and art. Depending on your child's age, you can decide how much you want to explain about radial symmetry and orientation concepts. Little mathematicians and young artists will learn about geometry and how symmetry creates patterns. This rotational symmetry art project is just the ticket.Īs you will see the results of experimenting with rotational symmetry combines grooviness and exactness ( such a good combo, wouldn't you say?). A math art project is a great way to encourage kids who love numbers to get creative and artistic kids to think about how mathematics and art work together.
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