Symmetry, a concept that’s been around since ancient times,  plays a major role in most things around us. It can be used to evoke feelings of serenity and peacefulness in our lives. Once we understand how symmetry works, it becomes easy to see why this is true: symmetry shows up everywhere! 

Let us look at some quotes about symmetry and the thoughts of famous personalities about it. 

Symmetry – All around us? 

Symmetry is all around us—in nature, in art forms like music or architecture (symmetry is often found in the ancient Greek Parthenon), and even inside ourselves in organs. Symmetry is all around us, check out the following interesting real-life examples that we encounter every day. 

• Ice crystals are symmetrical. Symmetry is present in all of them. Whether you consider snowflakes or the ice cubes used to cool our drinks. The symmetry of an ice crystal lies in its shape and size. It also exhibits a specific orientation.

• A butterfly’s wings are symmetrical. This means that one side of its body is the same as the other. This is called bilateral symmetry and it’s common in many animals (including humans).

• The fragrant Jasmine flowers that are so popular, have bilateral symmetry. If you rotate the flower by 180 degrees, it will look exactly the same. This symmetry helps attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other insects. The feature of symmetry makes jasmine flowers one of the most commonly used plants in floral designs.

• The snail’s shell is an example of radial symmetry. It has two spirals running from one end to the other. They are arranged in parallel lines on either side of the center line. The number of spirals can vary. The direction of coiling is almost the same in the entire species. 

• Pinecones are an example of symmetry occurring in nature. They are bilaterally symmetrical, and radially symmetrical, and are a good example of a repeating pattern. In a pinecone, the patterns are either clockwise or anticlockwise in occurrence. 

• Sea urchins are an example of symmetry found in underwater life. The shell of a sea urchin is made up of a number of different types of cells, which are arranged in concentric layers around a central disk. Each layer has its own unique function and structure and helps in the protection of the organism. The adult sea urchin exhibits a five-fold symmetry. 

• Honeycomb cells show a hexagonal pattern. As they are hexagonal they will always have six sides. The cells of the honeycomb appear like symmetrical prisms. 

Quotes highlighting the beauty of symmetry

1. Beauty is rather a light that plays over the symmetry of things than that symmetry itself. – Plotinus

2. We take comfort in the symmetries we find in life because they suggest a design where there is none.– Nicole Krauss

3. The desire for symmetry, for balance, for rhythm in form as well as in sound, is one of the most inveterate of human instincts.- Edith Wharton

4.Tidiness is a virtue, symmetry is often a constituent of beauty.–  Winston Churchill

5. Symmetry is what we see at a glance; based on the fact that there is no reason for any difference. – Blaise Pascal

6. If measure and symmetry are absent from any composition to any degree, ruin awaits both the ingredients and the composition… Measure and symmetry are beauty and virtue the world over. – Socrates

7. There`s poetry in nature. A symmetry. – Saffron A. Kent 

8. Reality favors symmetry.- Jorge Luis Borges

9. Symmetry, as wide or as narrow as you may define its meaning, is one idea by which man through the ages has tried to comprehend and create order, beauty, and perfection.- Hermann Weyl

10. Symmetry is overrated. Overrated is symmetry.– Larry Wall

11. The chief forms of beauty are order and symmetry and definiteness, which the mathematical sciences demonstrate to a special degree.–  Aristotle

12. Nature builds up her refined and invisible architecture, with a delicacy eluding our conception, yet with symmetry and beauty which we are never weary of admiring. – John Herschel

13. There is no symmetry in nature. One eye is never exactly the same as the other.– Edouard Manet

14. Reality is partial to symmetry and slight anachronisms–  Jorge Luis Borges

15. The universe is built on a plan the profound symmetry of which is somehow present in the inner structure of our intellect.-  Paul Valery

16. Symmetry looks good to us; we want more of it.-  Susan Messing

17. The mathematical sciences particularly exhibit order symmetry and limitations, and these are the greatest forms of the beautiful.–  Aristotle

18. It is the harmony of the diverse parts, their symmetry, their happy balance; in a word it is all that introduces order, all that gives unity, that permits us to see clearly and to comprehend at once both the ensemble and the details. –  Henri Poincare

19. The most general law in nature is the equity-the principle of balance and symmetry which guides the growth of forms along the lines of the greatest structural efficiency. –  Herbert Read

20. Don’t confuse symmetry with balance.- Tom Robbins

21. Consistency is the enemy of enterprise, just as symmetry is the enemy of art. – George Bernard Shaw

22. If the proportion is the good breeding of architecture, symmetry, or the answering of one part to another, may be defined as the sanity of decoration. –  Edith Wharton

23. The symmetry of form attainable in pure fiction can not so readily be achieved in a narration essentially having less to do with fable than with fact. Truth uncompromisingly told will always have its ragged edges. –  Herman Melville

24. Humanity enveloped in entropy desperately seeking symmetry for peace of mind – Dean Cavanagh

25. Symmetry may have its appeal but it is inherently stale. Some kind of imbalance is behind every transformation.-  Marcelo Gleiser

26. We find, therefore, under this orderly arrangement, a wonderful symmetry in the universe, and a definite relation of harmony in the motion and magnitude of the orbs, of a kind that is not possible to obtain in any other way. – Johannes Kepler

27. The biggest conceptual change over the last 100 years in the way physicists think about the world is symmetry – Lawrence M. Krauss

28. I attain a different kind of beauty, achieve symmetry by means of infinite discords, showing all the traces of the mind’s passage through the world, and achieve in the end some kind of whole made of shivering fragments.-  Virginia Woolf

29. Everybody has two legs, and two lobes to the brain which is why we tend to be interested in symmetry, always balancing things.- Gore Vidal

30. The universe is an enormous direct product of representations of symmetry groups. – Steven Weinberg

31. Man is all symmetry, Full of proportions, one limb to another.-  George Herbert

32. You can’t chop down a symmetry –  Jane Siberry

33. The mile has a classic symmetry….It’s a play in four acts. – John Landy

34. Doubt, skepticism, innovation, and inquiry are the only means by which wonder, beauty, awe, and symmetry will be discovered. – Christopher Hitchens

35. I don’t know if it’s a sign of all the chaos that is happening out there or not, but I’ve lately craved the structure and order of classical music, balance, and symmetry. –  Helen Reddy

36. If you look at music, you see the theme, and variation, you see symmetry and asymmetry, and you see structure, and these are related to skills in the real world.–  Dave Van Ronk

37. In the simplest array of digits [Ramanujan] detected wonderful properties: congruences, symmetries, and relationships that had escaped the notice of even the outstandingly gifted theoreticians. –  James R Newman

38. Architecture depends on Order, Arrangement, Eurythmy, Symmetry, Propriety, and Economy. –  Marcus Vitruvius Pollio

39. Guided only by their feeling for symmetry, simplicity, and generality, and an indefinable sense of the fitness of things, creative mathematicians now, as in the past, are inspired by the art of mathematics rather than by any prospect of ultimate usefulness. – Eric Temple Bell

40. The universe is built on a plan the profound symmetry of which is somehow present in the inner structure of our intellect. –Paul Valery

Conclusion 

To wrap up, symmetry is everywhere, and we can find it when we look at nature. So the next time you see a butterfly, an octopus arm, or a honeycomb cell, take a moment to appreciate that symmetry is not just a mathematical concept but also something that exists in the world around us. 

We want everything to be symmetrical because it makes us feel good about ourselves – and therefore makes us more aware overall! Symmetry adds that element of beauty to everything. Since ancient times, man has been trying to replicate nature’s symmetry in everything he creates, in the quest for perfection.

Manpreet Singh

An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having  just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’, 

The post 40 Quotes Highlighting The Importance Of Symmetry In Our Lives appeared first on Number Dyslexia.

By definition, a shape or a 3-dimensional entity, if there exists an imaginary line that divides it into two equal halves, are all symmetrical objects, and a detailed study of these objects is referred to as symmetry. While there are plenty of ways to teach the kids about symmetry, introducing the same through activities can surely be a good way as kids can then relate to real-life objects that are symmetrical. 

Children will be more observant toward nature as most of the activities involve things and objects from nature like leaves, animals, and insects. Hence it will also increase their cognitive skills along with development.

Moreover, symmetry comes into use in many professions like fashion designing, crafting, art, and even architecture! Therefore, students must be well-versed with the concepts. For the same, they can indulge in some interactive activities which can help them absorb the topic well.

Symmetry Activities For Little Learners

1. Geo boards

A geoboard is a panel with nails on it, ensuring the practitioner wove thread along them to form shapes like triangles, polygons, and so on. You can also employ wooden boards with screws inserted into the board. 

To start with, take a rubber band or string of thread or wool and make a shape like a triangle or square. Ask the child to make the same shape next t-o the shape you made. Now, they would have to count the number of screws inside the shape you made, and let them count the screws inside theirs. The students need to observe along with you if the shape looks symmetrical, identical and the number of screws is the same or not.

2. Origami

Origami is one of the oldest Japanese arts that is an excellent source of teaching symmetry. 

To start with, the mentor needs to procure a sheet of paper.  The student is preached to make origami, say a puppy face. Now the students look at the fabricated origami and need to draw the imaginary line that shows its symmetricity. 

Origami helps in learning basic mathematical or geographical shapes as it gives a visual experience of space. It also helps in learning the sense of sequencing as origami is all about patiently making a figure, fold after fold, with each crease leading to perfection.

3. Vegetable printing

This may be a facile way of noticing symmetry. To start with, Cut up a few vegetables like Okra, Onion and create prints on paper using paint or ink. Fold the paper and get the exact copy on the other side. A similar practice can be employed with butterflies- by making one wing using the vegetable stamps on one side of the paper, fold and get a symmetrical image on the other side!

This activity will help in developing a sense of symmetry, a knowledge about vegetables, their various shapes and sizes, and also a sense of design and colour!

4. Creating Mirror Books

To start with, Take two mirrors and tape them together at the right angle of the same size and width. Place it on a table, shelf, or on any flat surface. Put various daily life objects in front of the mirror book which will lead to creating beautiful, visual mandalas with multiple lines of symmetry. Now, ask the learner to mark one or more lines of symmetry on the mirror with a temporary marker that can be erased later on. 

This activity is great for sowing the seeds of understanding and developing a child’s mind for exploration of how symmetry works and also helps in building communication skills when you ask your child to explain what he or she is observing.

5. Clay Models

Clay is often a safe and admirable play material for its molding benefits. Students may feel engrossed in creating meaningful shapes out of them. 

To start with, students create various shapes like spheres, cubes, and prisms and make a snowman or any real-life figure or animal using the clay models. Once the modeling is completed, they need to figure out the line of symmetry and mark them accordingly. 

This will increase the observatory skills in the brain, and teach about symmetry effectively. The activity will also help in bringing out a child’s own imagination and creativity.

6. Exploring symmetry with paper cut

Take a piece of paper and fold it in half. Take a scissor and start making a cut from the middle of the fold. Now, make a design while you cut, such as a butterfly or flower – this is one of the easiest ways to explain symmetry. 

Once done, open the fold of the paper and make your child see a beautiful butterfly or flower created with just a paper fold, with identical and symmetrical designs on both sides of the paper.

This activity will make your child curious and will also ignite the spark of creativity. Please keep a lookout while your child uses a pair of scissors.

7. Color the shapes

Here the pupils make figures, animals, and objects using only geometrical shapes in such a way that they look symmetrical. Ask your child to fill the shapes with similar colors and complete the whole figure. For example, they can make a cat using two circles. Later, using a ruler, the teacher can mark dotted lines to show the symmetry in the geometrical cat. 

This simple yet engaging activity will help in understanding and identifying the shapes and designs but along with that, the kid will observe that when two sides of an object or figure look the same, it is symmetry.

8. Picture Folding

Identifying the line of symmetry can take an interesting turn when the little one is asked to fold the shape. To start with, an image is procured on paper; the teacher can either draw it or procure a printout. When the student receives the sheet, they get a couple of minutes to observe the image and estimate the line of symmetry. Now they fold the image to turn into exact halves. 

This simple activity not only ensures creativity but also a strong foundation of the concept for the learner. These pictures can also be stuck to the kid’s notebook later on, so that they can revise it by looking at the figure whenever they wish to!

9. Nature Traversing

Take a stroll in your backyard or garden, or in the school playground and ask the pupils to find some leaves. Take some fallen leaves from the ground! Teachers and educators must make sure that kids should not pluck any leaves for this activity. Now, ask them to observe the leaf and see how it is divided. Ask them to identify the lines of symmetry, if it’s horizontal or vertical. The teacher or any adult can ask them a question to ponder about, to find out the most symmetrical leaves are present in nature belonging to which tree?

10. Snowflakes making

A great wintertime activity can be held using cotton swabs to make snowflakes! This activity can be great for kids living in areas where it snows. For them, the teachers can host an outdoor trip, where they need to look for snowflakes. Once they have collected them, the teachers, using magnifying glasses can show how symmetrical a snowflake it. This can be a classic example of how symmetry occurs in nature. It is said, that a snowflake is the most perfect symmetrical natural object.

However, for students living in areas where it doesn’t snow, teachers can use printables, or even figures of snowflakes to describe the same. To amp up the activity, teachers can ask students to draw a snowflake on paper, and fill it with cotton. The cotton can be stuck to the paper inside the design of the snowflake using glue. Now, using a marker, mark the lines of symmetry to show how symmetry occurs in nature.

This activity will not only instill the knowledge of symmetry but also increase your child’s observation skills, and concentration and increase the knowledge of nature.

Summing up,

Learning can be ensured in a number of styles. Especially something that involves shapes and designs. You can find them all around you; accordingly,  find symmetry everywhere. Through these above-mentioned 10 activities, we hope to help you and your child or student to expedite through the world of symmetry and explore everything that is possible in their capabilities. Our activities may be the stepping stone that will bring more fun to the table of learning. We hope this helping hand helped you well and made symmetry more fun and exciting!

Manpreet Singh

An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having  just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’, 

The post 10 Fun Activities For Learning How Symmetry Works appeared first on Number Dyslexia.

Symmetry can be defined as an attribute where something is the same on both sides of an axis. In simpler words, the two halves of an object are identical and mirror images of each other, creating a sense of balance and providing aesthetically pleasing results. The presence or absence of symmetry can affect the functioning of machinery, constructions, and similar instances where precision plays an important role. 

Symmetry also exists in math and is an integral part of geometry. Symmetry also exists in math and is an integral part of geometry. But, inculcating these topics to little kids with just textboards and blackboards can be run-of-the-mill; therefore, educators and parents can opt for manipulatives or use the power of digitalization to help their kids comprehend the concept of symmetry as described in this post.

Symmetry: Nifty for kids? 

Symmetry is a fundamental concept in geometry. It helps create geometrical patterns that help us organize the images in our surroundings. Without consciously realizing it, we see symmetry every day and use it as a part of our careers in some form or the other. 

Learning symmetry is important for children as it helps them view the things close to and around them. In math, it sets the base for much complex arithmetic and algebraic operations that children learn in later years of their education. For example, students use the concept of symmetry and the associative and the commutative property to solve arithmetic problems, Euclidian and plain geometry. 

In algebra, It is used to solve equations. Symmetry is a fascinating concept and can be found in things as simple as patterns and designs or as complex as the abstract facets of modern math. 

Learning symmetry helps the child find a connection between maths and other aspects of knowledge. All these factors make symmetry a must-know concept. Its application ranges from art to science and is the basis of most professions that use aesthetics. 

However, symmetry can be best learned when kids are shown objects of daily use, and then relate them with symmetry, as a concept. This can also be effectively done with the help of online games. A few games explain the concept of dividing an object into half to make two symmetrical halves. Moreover, these games also help students relate to everyday objects so that there is a visible enhancement of understanding the concept.

Online games that help in comprehending symmetry

1. Match the symmetry

Symmetry matching is a matching game with pictures, shapes, and patterns. It involves the mirroring of an image. Some have a horizontal or vertical line of symmetry. 

The game begins by choosing either a shape, a pattern, or a picture. Once the child chooses an option, the game begins. The options flash on the screen, and on clicking on the right option, the game progresses. 

The child needs to identify the right option, the symmetrical half of the object on the screen. 

Through this game, the child’s ability to gauge the right symmetrical object is checked. It can be easily played to comprehend the concept and test one’s understanding of the topic. 

2. Symmetry invaders

This game can be a fun, exciting, yet great learning experience for the little ones as it involves targeting an alien. The alien is a moving target. Once the child clicks on the alien, the challenge begins.

One-half of the pattern is displayed on the screen. The challenge is to draw the other half. A target is eliminated once the graphic is drawn and the child moves to the next level.

This game helps the child to imagine a symmetrical half of the pattern and create it. It is a fun challenge suited for a child who enjoys the world of space ships and aliens. 

3. Painters kaleidoscope 

This game allows kids to learn symmetry through art! The game begins with a blank screen, and the child has to click and drag the cursor to make patterns of choice.

The patterns that are formed are symmetrical. The child can choose the colors to be used. 

A very attractive image is then formed that is symmetrical.

Here the child gets an insight into what a kaleidoscope looks like and gets a chance even to create a work of art. 

 4. Symmetry with puzzles

A snowflake is a beautiful example of symmetry in nature. This is due to the simple fact that it is symmetrical from all sides. Similarly, this game is a jigsaw puzzle of various images. The child needs to solve the jigsaw puzzle by clicking and drawing the puzzle pieces into place. 

Through the game, the child gets a fair idea of how a snowflake looks and how symmetrical its structure is. Moreover, the game has a lot of other symmetrical objects, apart from the snowflakes, which helps the kid realize that all objects in nature are symmetrical. This helps in a better understanding of the concept, and unconsciously or subconsciously, the child will see and relate to the symmetrical objects around them.

Moreover, jigsaw puzzles are a great way to stimulate the mind and get the mind muscles moving. Therefore, this game not only helps with the understanding of symmetrical objects but also helps with the development and enhancement of the brain. 

5. Shape symmetry

A beginner-level game for young children, it is a very interactive game with voice prompts. The child has to choose symmetrical shapes that are actually a part of butterflies’ wings and other such structures. 

The game begins with the definition of symmetry, and explanations are given wherever required. The child has to pick the right symmetrical shape to the one on the butterfly’s other wing. 

Through his game, the power of observation builds up and the educators can test the skills of a student, especially when it comes to symmetry and observation. 

6.  Pick the right shape

A simple game where the child has to choose either the symmetrical shape or the ones that are not symmetrical according to the prompt. Often children get confused when the shapes are jumbled up. This game helps the child to sort out the symmetrical shapes. 

The game begins with the definition of symmetry and how a symmetrical shape can be identified. The next slide has shapes where the child needs to pick out the symmetrical shapes from a lot of others. For every right answer, the player scores.

7. Symmetry painter

Painting activities can bring glee onto a kid’s face! This game is the perfect choice for a child who loves painting. The child gets to choose between a variety of painting tools. The image that the child draws on one half of the screen is created on the other half, too, as a mirror image, thus making it symmetrical. 

The child learns how to draw symmetrical images and enjoys the activity due to all the options available for creating the same painting. The game helps the child in understanding the importance of symmetry in drawing or painting. For instance, while drawing the eyes of the face, the artist has to maintain certain same dimensions on both sides.

8. Lines of symmetry

As simple as the concept might seem, symmetry can many times leave the kid perplexed due to its various properties. Therefore, this game is perfect as the kids need to mark a line of symmetry based on the image shown through the dots.

Basically, the ultimate goal is to collect as many points as possible. And like all games, one point is one coin, which means one correct answer. Moreover, if the player answers incorrectly, a hint pops up, which can help the student understand what exactly needs to be done.

When a shape is displayed on the screen, the child is required to draw the line of symmetry through it. Through this activity, the child learns about the line of symmetry and how it divides the shapes into two identical halves. 

9. Shape sorting

The activity has an option to choose shapes, letters, or pictures. Once this is selected, the child needs to determine if the images displayed are symmetrical. Points are added for every correct answer.

The child learns all about symmetrical shapes and identifies letters of the alphabet that exhibit symmetry. There are some alphabets that are symmetrical while some are not. The game makes it easy to understand the concept of making the line of symmetry and discerning the number of symmetry lines, an alphabet, letter, or any shape can have.

Everyday uses of symmetry

There are four types of symmetry which are:

Translation symmetry: is when something has undergone a movement, a shift, or a slide, in a particular direction in a specified distance without any rotation. As a result, the size and shape of the figure will not change. The only thing that changes is its location—for example, patterns in a carpet or on a ribbon.

Rotational symmetry: This is the property of an object when it looks the same after some rotation by turning. For example figures like circles and squares. It is also known as radial symmetry. 

Reflection symmetry: This is also called line symmetry or as mirror symmetry. It is the property of symmetry found in reflections. In this case, there is at least one line that divides a figure into two halves, such that one is a mirror image of the other. For example, a reflection of a tree in water or a paper folded exactly in half. 

Glide symmetry: This is a symmetry where reflection and translation occur—for example, the footprints left by a person walking on sand. The symmetry can be maintained even if the objects are moved at a distance. 

We see the above phenomenon in our daily life in some form or the other. An essential part of geometry, it finds various uses and applications and is an integral part of science. 

1. Nature uses symmetry

Symmetry is used by nature to make it beautiful. The kind of symmetry exhibited is bilateral symmetry, meaning two halves are exactly mirror images of each other. So, for example, the butterflies wings look like the other. 

They are like mirror images, which adds to their beauty. Imagine a butterfly with wings of two varying patterns; it would probably not look so aesthetic. 

Some flowers also exhibit bilateral symmetry—for example, the orchid and most of the figwort family.

2. Architecture

Symmetry in architecture is the geometry of the building. It is the same on both sides of the axis. The types of symmetry used in designing buildings’  are bilateral symmetry and radial symmetry. Two sides are mirror images of each other. They can be vertical or horizontal. 

For example, if we consider the Taj Mahal one of the wonders of the world, one of the most striking features is its symmetry. This makes the Taj even more appealing. If we draw an imaginary line vertically through the center of the Taj, we can observe that both the halves are exactly alike. Which means there is bilateral symmetry. 

Symmetry in architecture helps to bind the various components of the structure together as a unified structure and as a whole. It lends a sense of orderliness and aesthetics. 

3. Jewelry 

Since times immemorial, humans have used jewelry to adorn and beautify themselves. It is common knowledge that traditionally,  the beauty of a piece of jewelry lies in its symmetry. Therefore, jewelry exhibits bilateral symmetry, creating harmonious order and aesthetically pleasing results.

If a line is drawn through the center of a jewelry piece, all the elements on one side are precisely a mirror image of the other side. This ensures a balance in the form, size, and shape of the jewelry, thus adding to its beauty. 

4. Body motion

The laws of physics govern the movement of all living things. For example, the fish swimming in water, humans walking, animals moving in their habitat. 

When we observe fish swimming in water or the snakes moving, we see that they contract one part of the body and then the other to move ahead. For such movement to occur smoothly, symmetry is essential.

Possessing bilateral symmetry helps them to propel the body forwards in a straight line and makes the movement from one place to another possible. 

5. Garments

An item of everyday use that exhibits symmetry is clothing. Our shirts and shoes are examples. 

A garment is symmetrical when its right and left parts are identical in size and shape. They are a mirror image of each other. 

If we imagine a vertical line drawn through a top, from the neck to the bottom, all the patterns to the left side are a mirror image to the right side. 

For the bottom, the left leg and the right are mirror images of each other. Creating a symmetric garment requires symmetric marking, cutting, and sewing. 

Summing up,

The beauty and aesthetics of most things around us can be attributed to symmetry. The symmetry also helps in the flawless functioning of machines and is an integral part of nature and our bodies. Understanding symmetry and its use in our lives will help us discover new world perspectives. It will also help beautify our surroundings and help us understand more facts about science. 

To understand symmetry and make the most of the learning experience, besides the classroom teaching, students can indulge in games to test their understanding, get the hang of the concept, and learn the nitty-gritty of symmetry! Happy learning to you! 

Manpreet Singh

An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having  just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’, 

The post 9 Engaging Symmetry Games To Play Online appeared first on Number Dyslexia.

Looking at a couple of similar artifacts neatly arranged on a shelf may often be serene to our eyes. One of the eminent reasons maybe because they are symmetrical. Even when we fold a piece of perfect paper at the center, we see a couple of symmetrical halves being formed.  Symmetry is everywhere, but the individual may be able to identify and relish this beauty. 

Ensuring multisensory approaches using manipulatives have been a preferred strategy to teach the practical side of various subjects. Even in the case of Symmetry, the use of these manipulatives may lead to admirable results. Moreover, who doesn’t want to indulge in exhilarating activities? 

Accordingly, we here picked some assistive manipulatives that can make learning Symmetry trouble-free. 

Symmetry is not just a math asset!- Which makes it further significant. 

Symmetry may be considered as a part of geometry which is defined as a proportionate similarity between two halves of an object or a couple of objects. While this context and background may sound it a math notion, symmetry is used in various other fields as well. For this reason, the need to understand it better becomes important. 

• Symmetry in Biology: Repetition of body parts in an animal or a tree may need the researcher to use the concept of Symmetry. For instance, a starfish has rotational symmetry. Animals like deers are studied with their bilateral symmetry. 
• Symmetry in Chemistry: While studying about various elements and compounds, their symmetry may be considered to determine their axis of rotation at heated temperatures.  For instance, for a water molecule (H₂O), the axis of symmetry lies on the oxygen atom as it lies in the center of two hydrogen atoms. 
• In Physics, symmetry may be used to elucidate the attributes of spacetime and particles under transformation-comparing the previous and later values of the same. 

Being aware of these applications, one may estimate how crucial symmetry is. Using a manipulative may assist them to learn faster with a bunch of edges like convenience. 

Easy symmetry learning- Manipulatives that help!

Comprehending the preferable ways to learn concepts like Symmetry, it can be inferred effortlessly that implementation of manipulatives often assists. Eleonora Faggino² made a study to outline how manipulatives and digital artifacts can assist in learning Symmetry. The results of the study remarked that manipulatives could enhance the activity and potential of learning. Accordingly, here we look into a few noteworthy manipulative picks that may ensure finer mastery of the concept. 

1. Geomirror

Geomirror is a translucent plastic symmetry manipulative that usually comes in dimensions of 9cm  * 15cm, which can stand on itself. It usually comes in Purple color.  Being translucent, it can reflect the symmetrical image of a pattern so that the learner can trace it on the other side. 

Employing  Geomirror in Symmetry Practice:

To start with, the student needs to have a pencil, paper, and a geomirror. The learner decides a line of symmetry at the center of the page and then draws an image on one side of this line. Later, they place the geomirror on the line of symmetry to see a reflected image of the art on the other side of the paper. Now, they can trace out the symmetrical image based on that reflection effortlessly. This manipulator may be a handy option to witness and learn reflectional symmetry.  

2. Symmetry Pattern Blocks 

Also referred to as Sloper in some areas of the US, Pattern Blocks are mathematical manipulatives that come in various geometrical shapes with multiple sides. These often ensure tiled practice of mathematical notions. These blocks often come in shapes like triangle, rhombus, trapezoid, Hexagon, and square. 

Pattern Blocks as Symmetry Manipulative:

To start learning symmetry, the learner needs a scale or a thread along with these manipulatives. They start with placing the scale at the center, which forms the line of symmetry. Now, these learners arrange similar blocks on both sides in a mirrored way so that the two sides of the scale form symmetrical figures. Pattern blocks can be employed as a classroom activity or as an after the school session. Kids may be enticed to build interesting mirrored patterns effortlessly, thereby grasping Euclidean Symmetry.  

3. Hinged Mirrors 

Symmetry in multiple dimensions can be perceived as rotational symmetry. To demonstrate this, precisely hinged mirrors can be put into execution. In layman’s terms, Hinged mirrors are a combination of a couple of mirrors hinged together to facilitate placing them at any angle. 

Opting Hinged Mirrors to Practice:

A piece of the block is considered to have at least two sides, say a rhombus tile. Now, the cube is placed in between the hinged mirrors in such a way that the sides of the tile touch the mirror. Soon, the learner can see the same tile is mirrored in multiple dimensions. The number of dimensions depends upon the angle of the mirrors. Set at 90 degrees, the student can identify three symmetrical images  (the real tile not considered).  This activity is often handy in demonstrating rotational symmetry; The edge is that it takes no time to arrange and infer. 

4. Cuisenaire Rods 

A collection of rectangular cubes in different lengths, Cuisenaire Rods is a math learning manipulator that can be employed to learn various math notions like measurements, operations, and geometry. Accordingly, these can be admirable options for exercising symmetrical figures. 

Contriving Cuisenaire Rods:

 To start with, the teacher takes up some rods and makes a unique arrangement with a flat surface on one side. The students take a couple of minutes to look at the arrangement and start creating a mirrored pattern with similar rods. Here the flat surface is the line of symmetry. Being effortless to implement, these offer the flexibility to indulge students with varying complexities. These manipulatives can also be used along with graph papers to make symmetrical arrangements by the learner themselves, ensuring personalized practice as well. 

5. Exploragons 

These simple manipulatives come with a set of strips in various sizes. Exploragons come in strips that can be snapped to form interesting geometrical figures. These strips can be employed to create symmetrical figures considering an appropriate line of symmetry. 

The teacher may ask the student to create a specific figure with these strips and then ask them to find out the line of symmetry. Otherwise, they can ask the students to create two shapes that are mirrored and symmetrical. The young ones can feel it enticing to play with these educational sticks. Ensuring interactivity, these may be preferred for ice-breaking symmetry activity as well. 

Concluding thoughts

Symmetry may be pinpointed almost everywhere and all around us. Though classroom teaching is accommodating, the added flavor of multisensory approaches can excite students to practice more. While they can identify various symmetrical objects around, employing some benevolent manipulatives can soak them better in the Symmetrical sphere. Check out the above-mentioned choices to help in the feat by bridging teaching and self-support. 

References: 

1. Leikin, R., Berman, A., & Zaslavsky, O. (2000). Learning through teaching: The case of symmetry. Mathematics Education Research Journal, 12(1), 18-36.
2. Faggiano, E., Montone, A., & Mariotti, M. A. (2018). Synergy between manipulative and digital artefacts: a teaching experiment on axial symmetry at primary school. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 49(8), 1165-1180.

Manpreet Singh

An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having  just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’, 

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