LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Monster Symmetry

Students will make a "monster" through symmetry using white paper, pencils, and scissors. This activity will help students visualize how to identify objects that can be divided symmetrically.

A lesson plan for grade 3 Mathematics

By Mary Allen

Learn more

Related pages

  • In math, "elegant" means "cool"!: An elegant solution to a math problem is one that requires less time and work. Encouraging students to find such solutions will help them build number sense or numeracy.
  • Math Fun: We have compiled some of our favorite mathematics instructional resources to help students develop a sense of numbers and how they are used by us everyday. Students will have fun practicing their skills and trying new problem-solving ideas.
  • Beginning lesson on Coordinate Grids-First Quadrant: Students will investigate the first quadrant of the Cartesian coordinate system. They will use online activities developed by Shodor.org to identify the coordinates of points, or plot specific points. Then students will progress to an activity where they direct a robot through a mine field laid out on the coordinate plane. Permission has been granted for the use of the materials as part of the workshop - "Interactivate Your Bored Math Students" by Shodor Education Foundation, Inc.

Related topics

Help

Please read our disclaimer for lesson plans.

Legal

This page copyright ©2008. Terms of use

Learning outcomes

Students will understand how objects are divided symmetrically by creating their own symmetrical drawing.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

45 minutes

Materials/resources

  • white copy paper
  • assorted construction paper size 9″ x 12″
  • glue
  • markers
  • scissors
  • pencils

Technology resources

None

Pre-activities

Students will need to be introduced to symmetry and understand perimeter.

Activities

  1. Teacher will have students identify objects in the classroom that has a line of symmetry. After the students are comfortable identifying, then the teacher will have students fold their white paper in half length wise (like a hotdog bun). Students need to be reminded to draw on the folded edge.
  2. Then the teacher will demonstrate how to write letters in block or bubble style making sure that all of the letters are attached to one another and to the fold. The students will write their name on the white paper on the fold in either bubble or block letters. (Each letter should be 1″ to 3″ high.)
  3. After the students have completed their name, they should cut out the name around the perimeter of the letters. (Do not cut out each letter individually and do not cut out on the fold where the metter meets the fold!) The students will then open up their name and it should be connected and symmetrical. Each student will glue his name onto a piece of colored construction. The name needs to be open.
  4. With a marker, students can draw eyes, arms, legs, or tails on the creature they have created with their symmetrical names. See attachments for an example.

Assessment

Students must identify the line of symmetry in each picture created as a group assessment. Each project will be assessed based on successful completion.

Supplemental information

Attachments:

Related websites

N/A

Comments

This lesson can be completed in fourth grade as a review of symmetry. It is a great Halloween activity.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Mathematics (2004)

Grade 3

  • Goal 3: Geometry - The learner will recognize and use basic geometric properties of two- and three-dimensional figures.
    • Objective 3.01: Use appropriate vocabulary to compare, describe, and classify two- and three-dimensional figures.