Scenario

Kodak has created a new disposable camera they claim even a child can operate!  Their publicity theme is "Life in Balance."  They are offering 1,000 free cameras to any elementary school that creates a Kodak Photo Gallery which focuses on symmetry in everyday life. 

Your school has accepted the challenge.  The math, science, and art teachers have decided to work together to focus on symmetry in the coming weeks.  The culmination of this study in symmetry will be the photo gallery all the children in your school will create.

Task 

Your task will be:

    First, you will research what symmetry is.

Second, you will sort symmetrical and non symmetrical pictures in Kidspiration.

Third, you will practice using symmetry to create a picture online.

Fourth, you will use online patterns block to create a symmetrical arrangement.

Finally, you will locate and photograph a natural and man-made example of symmetry.

Product

                              
Using all that you know about symmetry, go on a symmetry search around the school, inside and out, looking for man-made and natural symmetry. 

Take a picture of one man-made object with symmetry and one natural object of symmetry.  Develop and frame your pictures. 

Fill out the final presentation paper.   

Oral Presentation: Share your photos and your findings about symmetry to your class.  Read the rubric to prepare to give your best oral presentation.

Hang all pictures in the Life in Balance Gallery. Invite students and families to view photo exhibit.

Assessments

Symmetry Checklist (To make sure that you have completed all of your tasks.) 

Question

Where do we find symmetry in our everyday life?

Questions to think about:

      1. What is symmetry?

      2. What is a line of symmetry?

      3. Why are symmetrical patterns useful?

      5. How does symmetry help us understand patterns?

      6. What is man-made symmetry?

      7. What is natural symmetry?

Gather, Sort, and Organize

Use this Graphic Organizer  to take notes as you learn about symmetry using the internet resources below.
 

Gather information using  Internet Resources.
 

Now you are ready to do some symmetry activities:

1. Symmetry Sort  
    ◊  Click on the speaker at the top right corner of the page to hear the directions. 
    ◊  When you have placed all the pictures in the columns, print out your answer.

2. Symmetry Paint
    ◊  Drag the mouse across the canvas to create amazing symmetrical drawings.

3. Pattern Blocks
    ◊  Click and drag the pattern blocks to make a symmetrical picture. 
    ◊  After you finish your picture online, use real pattern blocks to create another
        example of symmetry.
   
Now you are ready to complete your final product....

Conclusion

Children will go through the gallery with their reflection worksheet and answer the following questions:

1.  Which photo in the exhibit did you like the most?  Why?

2.  Were there more pictures of man-made or natural symmetry?

3.  Which photo had symmetry that you did not notice right away? What surprised you
     about it?