SYMMETRY
Students will be able to:
· Determine and use lines of
symmetry.
· Investigate and use
rotational symmetry.
· Identify objects that have
symmetrical properties
WAYS
PARENTS CAN HELP
Here
are some activities you and your student can do together:
· Look for patterns in home furnishings (rugs, floor tiles, and
wallpaper) that are symmetrical. Discuss the type of symmetry and identify the
lines of symmetry and/or the degree of rotation.
· Look for symmetrical shapes in nature (leaves, trees, pinecones). Look
for asymmetrical shapes as well. Can you find a purpose or advantage in
symmetrical properties?
VOCABULARY
Asymmetrical: Describes
any figure that cannot be divided into two parts that are mirror images of each
other. In other words, asymmetrical means “not symmetrical.”
Axis of Symmetry: A
line that a figure can be folded over so that one-half of the figure matches
the other half perfectly; a line about which a figure is symmetrical.
Line of Symmetry: A
line that divides a figure into two parts, each of which is a mirror image of
the other.
Line Symmetry: Figures
that match exactly when folded in half have line symmetry.
Reflectional
Symmetry: A figure has reflectional symmetry if, after reflecting the
figure over a line, the figure lines back up with itself.
Rotation: A
transformation that turns a figure about a fixed point at a given angle and a
given direction.
Rotational Symmetry: A
figure has rotational symmetry if, after rotating it by an angle of 180 degrees
or less about its center, the figure lines back up with itself.
Symmetry: The
property of a figure or expression that allows for parts of it to be
interchanged without forcing a change in the whole.