Symmetry is when an item is made up of exactly the same parts on either side. When folded at the halfway point (the line of symmetry), the sides line up just like a mirror image. In nature, symmetry exists in butterflies, for example.
 | When folded in half, the design on the wings of a butterfly are exactly identical. We say they are symmetrycal. Symmetry can be found in many living things. Can you find some examples? BASIC MATERIALS: Thick paper, finger or poster paint, paintbrush, small container, water, paper towel. Optional: scissors. |
EXPERIMENT #1: SYMMETRY CHRISTMAS TREE
Fold a thick paper in half. Using green paint (this works best with thick paint), dab a small dot about an inch from the top of the paper, directly in the center crease. Make a slightly larger green dot below the first one, careful not to have the two dots touch. Repeat this process, making the green dots bigger until you get to about 2 inches from the bottom of the paper. Fold the paper in half and press. Open your paper. What do you see?
EXPERIMENT #2: SYMMETRY ART
You can create all sorts of symmetrical designs, all you need is a line of symmetry. Carefully fold a thick piece of paper in half. Paint a design on only one side of the paper. Fold your paper in half and press. What happens to the design?
Using a scissor, you can also cut symmetrical shapes! Fold any paper in half. Cut your shape, careful not to cut off the folded section (you need your line of symmetry!).
Unfold your paper. What do you see?
Did you try this experiment at home?
Tell us about it and show us your results!
