MTH213
Foundations of Elementary Math 3

Fun with Geometry. pattern blocks

MTH213
Notes on Geometry
Spring 2020

Chapter 10 Geometric Figures

§ 10.4 Symmetric Figures
  • Reflection Symmetry or Line Symmetry
    butterfly with reflection symmetry
  • Rotational Symmetry
    • center of rotation
    • angle of rotation
    • Examples:
    30 degree rotational symmetry 45 degree rotational symmetry 60 degree rotational symmetry 72 degree rotational symmetry 90 degree rotational symmetry 120 degree rotational symmetry 60 degree rotational symmetry
  • Reflectional Symmetry for Space Figures
    a symmetrical couch
  • Rotational Symmetry for Space Figures
    a rotationally symmetric fan
  • Relationships between reflection symmetries and rotational symmetries
    Here we have 3 lines of symmetry and 120 degree rotational symmetry
    120 degree rotational symmetry
Math Activity: Pattern Block Symmetries

Purpose: Explore lines of symmetry and rotational symmetry.

Materials: Pattern blocks, paper, color.

  1. Toy Theater Pattern Blocks, dragging feels real
  2. Math Learning Center Pattern Blocks, nice protractor

Directions: First, identify the symmetries of each pattern block, then use the pattern blocks to create various other symmetric figures.

Part 1: Identify the symmetries of each pattern block below. Draw sketches and/or write descriptions for each.

Block Lines of symmetry rotational symmetry
hexagon pattern block
pattern block
pattern block
pattern block
pattern block
pattern block

Part 2: Be more creative and create new figures from the pattern blocks.

Figure and Name Lines of symmetry Rotational symmetry
1.
2.
3.