Explore symmetry by joining two identical shapes
I can compose symmetrical shapes from two identical shapes.
Explore symmetry by joining two identical shapes
I can compose symmetrical shapes from two identical shapes.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A shape is symmetrical when one half is a reflection of the other half.
- When you fold a shape on a line of symmetry, the two halves will match exactly.
- You can join two identical shapes together to create a new shape.
- When you join two identical shapes, sometimes the new shape will be symmetrical.
- When you join two identical shapes, sometimes the new shape will have no lines of symmetry.
Common misconception
Some children will think that a parallelogram is symmetrical because it can be divided in half.
Demonstrate with folding and by using mirrors why dividing a parallelogram in half does not result in a line of symmetry. Allow children to explore this concept with cut-outs of different parallelograms.
Keywords
Symmetrical - When a shape, pattern or image has two halves that match exactly when folded, it can be described as symmetrical.
Line of symmetry - If you were to fold a shape at its line of symmetry, both halves would match exactly.
Identical - Two shapes that are exactly the same can be described as identical.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
A four-sided shape with four right angles.
Any four-sided shape.
A four-sided shape with four right angles and four equal sides.
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