At a Glance

Outline For Thematic Unit


Theme: PATTERNS
Key Concept: To strengthen student's engagement and curiosity by building connections

Seeing how numbers work comes before imagining how they work.

Time Frame: 5WEEKS

The Setting

Celebrate all students’ accomplishments
Provide for formal, informal and self-assessment throughout the theme.
Tap into their insights
Engaging students quickly

Topics
Sorting, Ssymmetry, Numerical Patterns

Materials
Multi Media: Books, videos, games, films

iDeA
Engage students in designing lesson goals and projects

Assessment

A World Of Symmetry

GOAL:
This lesson asks students to observe, react and create symmetrical designs found in their immediate and distant environment and culture.

Students Will

Identify four basic forms of symmetry

Recognize symmetry in everyday objects and life forms

Recognize symmetrical patterns in cultural art

Create symmetrical designs

Standards:

Mathematical Reasoning - Students use mathematical reasoning to analyze mathematical situations, make conjectures, gather evidence, and construct an argument.

Modeling - Students use mathematical modeling/multiple representation to provide a means of presenting, interpreting, communicating, and connecting mathematical information and relationships.

Patterns - Students use patterns and functions to develop mathematical power, appreciate the true beauty of mathematics, and construct generalizations that describe patterns simply and efficiently

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WEEK ONE- WHAT IS SYMMETRY
INTRODUCTION – The Mathematics of Symmetry

A WHOLE CLASSROOM ACTIVITY
The student cuts out shapes of pattern blocks from a sheet of paper. Folding each in half leads to the discovery that both halves are identical in shape and size. From this observation comes a discussion that leads to a definition for the line of symmetry and the symmetrical form of reflection.

Introduce the students to the four basic forms of symmetry: translation, reflection, rotation and glide.

Visual examples galore by using multiple kinds of media. Heavy exposure to symmetry.

The following site supports as a whole class presentation; examples of each symmetrical form http://forum.swarthmore.edu/geometry/rugs/symmetry/basic.html

Students go through the alphabet to identify letters that have a line of symmetry.

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REFERENCE

http://forum.swarthmore.edu/geometry/rugs/resources/glossary.html

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WEEK TWO - IT'S ALL AROUND US
This week's activities will move the students from the math of symmetry to its application.

OBSERVING SYMMETRY –

For Example: symmetrical shapes and patterns found in nature, patterns on walls and floor coverings, fabrics, and jewelry.

Look through print media for examples of symmetry and identify

GOING ON-LINE
View examples of symmetry in commercial and cultural design and nature.

FOLK ART
http://www.folkart.com/~latitude/hex/hexx.htm

Students can use this site to learn how these people combined symmetry and form to design this folk art.

Abstract Ideas: Interpret the meaning of the colors, shapes and images.


ACTIVITY – RUG SYMMETRY
All around the world floor coverings have the art of symmetrical patterning.

The Navajo People

Students will read a bit about the history of rugs:

http://www.indiantraders.com/aboutart/textiles/navrug1.htm.

To view several examples of Navajo rugs

http://www.americantrails.com/at_rugs.html.

Create a design with geometric shape blocks!

ACTIVITY – SYMMETRY IN NATURE
Many living things have symmetry in their shape and some have color symmetry as well.

Show class the butterfly site, http://butterflywebsite.com/gallery/index.cfm to observe the symmetry of color and shape of butterfly wings.

ASSIGNMENT
The student will look for different images each of animal and plant life for symmetrical shape and/or color. Documenting over time and sharing with the class.

Symmetry by Geometric Figures

Certain geometric figures possess line symmetry.

The figures in the photo are only a sampling of the geometric figures which possess symmetry

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At the end of our week in mass exposure to Symmetry-- we will do a fun little art activity that will exercise the brain. I will be interested in seeing how the students draw and if there is any pattern among the students.

BLIND CONTOUR DRAWING
Grade: Any Grade

When making a blind contour drawing, the eye is not watching the hand as it draws on the paper. Contour drawing is an excellent way to train the eye to draw what it really sees rather than what it thinks it sees.

The first contour drawings you do will look funny! However, with practice, you will find that you will be able to accurately record an image on paper without looking at your hand as it draws!

Materials
Pencils
Paper

Chalk

Blind fold

What You Do
Choose an object to draw.

Pick a point on the object where the eye can begin its slow journey around the contour or edge of the object. Remember, the eye is like a snail, barely crawling as it begins its journey.

When the eye begins to move, so should the hand holding the pencil. At no time should you look at your hand as it draws. Try drawing the entire contour of the object without lifting your pencil form the paper.

"Relax and keep it fun.. practice, practice, practice..."

Symmetry by Letters

Certain letters of the alphabet and words possess line symmetry (such as the samples in the photo).

Notice that some possess vertical line symmetry, some possess horizontal line symmetry, and some possess BOTH vertical and horizontal line symmetry.

Symmetry by Caterpillar

This butterfly caterpillar displays line symmetry.
The pink line is the line of symmetry.

Symmetry by Mosaics

Mosaics and art work often demonstrate the concept of reflections and line symmetry.

This drawing has two lines of symmetry, as shown by the white lines

Symmetry by Flower

Many flowers possess line symmetry.

The biologist's term for line symmetry is "bilateral symmetry."

The white line is the line of symmetry.