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!

Kaleidoscope Name Designs

This project was exciting from start to finish. Students loved it and couldn't wait to see the results! Each child got a square piece of paper and folded it into a triangle 3 times to make 8 folds. They were also given a separate triangle the same size as the folds in their paper. They wrote their name in bubble letters inside of this triangle as big as they could, making sure each letter touched from top to bottom. I gave them the helpful hint of making sure the middle letter of their name is in the middle of the triangle. I reminded them to make sure it was neatly done as this is what will create their kaleidoscope design. They then traced their name in Sharpie on both the front and the back. This step is super important. The triangle is then placed behind their square paper, lining up with the triangle folds and their name traced with pencil on the front. The triangle will need to be rotated all the way around as they keep tracing, making sure the same letters are touching all the way around. I like to tell them to put their first letter facing the middle. If done correctly, their name will create a design which they will color in with markers. Each letter should be the same color all the way around. They are to color the spaces in between the letters in the same manner. This project was done with 4th and 5th grade. Can YOU spot their names? They are tricky to find!