Math Blog 8: Geometry and Spatial Sense

                         


Today I am going to discuss symmetry in relation to 2D and 3D shapes. There are two different types of symmetry mirror symmetry, and rotational symmetry. Mirror images shapes have reflective symmetry. Rotational symmetry determines the amount of time a 2D shape can fit over itself when its rotated.  I believe the following videos will be a great way to introduce symmetry into the classroom and provide an aspect of reliability to the environment.






I learn't this week that modelling shapes allows students to understanding them. By representing certain shapes with manipulative, or through replication students will begin to visualize properties of a specific shape. IE. Using blocks to make 6 sides of a Hexagon. To the left is an example used in Eva's lesson plan where we were instructed to use the Mira Tool to complete the symmetrical drawing.

I believe her use of creativity with this lesson plan made it really effective. She used Super Mario a popular video game played among the junior - intermediate grades. In adapting this exercise into a novice level based activity I feel that students are more inclined to learn. The time constraints were even looped into the musical theme of the game by instructing that students had until the music stopped to complete their symmetric axis drawings.

She connected the idea of the chapter of thinking visually, and observing basic mathematical conventions by physically drawing the other half of the objects.

Finally, the conclusion was left open and the students felt accomplished as she linked completing the activity to completing level 1 of the Super Mario activity. Igniting a desire to want to learn advanced levels of geometry and advancing to level 2.