Our geometry focus this week has been symmetry. We have investigated this concept with many hands-on projects that the class has thoroughly enjoyed. We’ve discovered that symmetry is abundant in so many everyday items; both natural and man made. Our exploration of symmetry has truly peaked my students’ natural curiosity about the world around them. They are noticing that symmetrical patterns are everywhere! Understanding symmetry has helped my students focus on the characteristics and parts of an object-not just the shape as a whole. This is a basic concept of geometry that needs to be understood so that we can build on it as more difficult geometric concepts are introduced. Seeing these different perspectives of the world around us improves spatial understanding, which, in turn, helps the students grasp the mathematical principals used in the creation of the symmetrical objects we have observed . Our study of symmetry has helped my students connect geometry to the real world. It has instilled an awareness that geometry is part of our every day life.
