If you were to fold a shape on its line of symmetry, both halves would match exactly.

An image or shape as it would be seen in a mirror.

When a shape has a line of symmetry, it can be described as symmetrical.

Lines of symmetry

Maths

In this unit pupils will learn that polygons can be described, sorted, compared and named according to the number of sides and vertices. They will describe 3D shapes finding different ways to sort and compare them. In the future unit pupils will investigate different ways to compose and decompose a polygon. They will investigate quadrilaterals with and without parallel and perpendicular sides. 

In the prior unit pupils composed, copied, extended and developed repeating and radiating patterns. They explored, discussed, and compared 3D and 2D shapes. In this unit pupils will learn that polygons can be described, sorted, compared and named according to the number of sides and vertices. They will describe 3D shapes, finding different ways to sort and compare them.

Shape: discuss and compare 2D and 3D shapes

When a shape can be folded in half and both sides are the same, the line where you folded is called the line of {{ }}. 

Which of the whole shapes match the folded shape? 

This shape is symmetrical. One half of the shape is a {{ }} of the other side.

Jun has tried to draw the reflection of this shape. Which of the reflections is correct?

Match each polygon with the number of sides and vertices that it has.

Look at the image. These polygons are all {{ }}.

These shapes have been sorted. Which shapes do they show?

Starter Quiz