Symmetry Lesson Plan

 I. Panes of Symmetry

A. Length of time: One and half hours (This can be done over two class periods)

B. Group Structure: Whole Group

C. Grade Level: Third

II. Objectives

*Students will define symmetry

*Students will identify whether an object or picture is symmetrical

*Students will identify the attributes that make an object or picture symmetrical

*Students will create a design for a window pane using symmetry

III. Content

Students will learn symmetry is all around us. They will learn to look at something and be able to tell whether it is symmetrical or not. Students will also be able to use their problem solving skills to assess if the object is symmetrical by looking for patterns. Students will use their current knowledge to create a design for a window pane that they will be creating.

IV. Instructional Materials

Pencils	Tissue paper - assorted colors
Black construction paper	White glue
Scissors	Mathematics books
Pre-made window pane	Symmetrical pictures & objects for examples

 V. Procedure

A. Introducation/Motivation

Show the students the example with the line of symmetry shown. Ask the students what they see? Ask them to compare the two sides. List the results. Then explain the correct terminology.

B. Development

1. Have students open math books to the pages on symmetry and look at the definition and examples.

2. Show examples of things that are symmetrical and things that are not so the students can see the differences.

3. Once students have a good understanding, introduce the window pane that is symmetrical.

4. Explain due to time the students will use one piece of black construction paper and only one color of tissue paper.

5. Fold the construction paper in half.

6. Fold the construction paper in half again, creating fourths. Explain that the second fold is going to be the line of symmetry.

7. Draw you designs on the folded construction paper. They line of symmetry (2nd fold) can be cut but DO NOT CUT the first fold.

8. Cut out the designs. Make sure that you cut through the paper.

9. Fully open the paper.

10. Take tissue paper and glue to one half.

11. Fold the construction paper in half gluing the halves together.

12. Let the panes dry and they can be hung off the students' desks or in the windows.

D. Closure

We will review symmetry and let each student exlain their design to the rest of the class.

VI. Evaluation

The students' will be evaluated based on teacher observation throughout the time they are working and their participation in the discussions. The window panes will be evaluated on whether they are symmetrical or not.

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