Radial Symmetry Designs

Students learned about radial symmetry. We looked at examples of radial symmetry in nature such as snowflakes and flowers and then looked at human-made radial symmetry such as crop circles and mandalas. Students were told they were going to create their own mandala design using what they just learned, as well as their knowledge of fractions. We practiced cutting different sized colored circles into 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 fractions. They used these pieces to come up with their own unique design. Each of their designs had to have a central point and similar patterns rotating around. Some students got the concept right away and others struggled. I just kept reminding them that for each colored shape they glued down, it needed to have a "twin" right across from it on the other side of the central point. I showed them how they could layer the colors and have fun with color combinations. The results are quite fun!