The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Finding Symmetry in Shapes in Nature

Finding Symmetry in Shapes in Nature

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A 4th grade STEM lesson

Sheryl Wells

06/20/24

Notes for teachers

This lesson integrates math and technology standards while encouraging students to explore nature and develop digital communication skills. It is designed to span multiple days to allow for thorough exploration and understanding of symmetry in nature.�

• Review basic concepts of symmetry and digital presentation tools with students prior to the lesson.�
• Prepare the nature area beforehand and identify possible examples of symmetry.�
• Ensure students are familiar with using iPads and the photo editing features.

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List of Materials�

• Access to a nature area (garden, park, school yard)�
• iPads�
• Internet access (if apps need to be installed) �
• Apple creation tools (Keynote, Apple Clips, iMovie, Pages)�
• Small handheld mirror (optional)�
• Pencils and paper for sketching (optional)

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Standards

Arizona State Math Standard:

4.G.A.3 - Recognize a line of symmetry for a two-dimensional figure as a line across the figure such that the figure can be folded along the line into matching parts. Identify line-symmetric figures and draw lines of symmetry.

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Standards

Arizona Educational Technology Standards: ��Standard 1: Empowered Learner 3-5.1.d. Students explore age-appropriate technologies and begin to transfer their learning to different tools or learning environments.��Standard 6: Creative Communicator�3-5.6.c. Students, in collaboration with an educator, create digital artifacts using digital tools to communicate ideas visually, graphically, and/or auditorily.

Objectives:

• Students will find a plant or other natural object in the garden that has symmetry.�
• Students will draw a line of symmetry on a photo they have taken of a natural object.�
• Students will create a digital presentation to share their findings with others.

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Agenda

Day 1:

Introduction (10 minutes)

Driving Question (5 minutes)

Hands-On Activities: Taking Photos (30 minutes)

Day 2:

Review and Editing Photos (15 minutes)

Draw Lines of Symmetry and Begin Creating Digital Presentations (30 minutes)

Day 3:

Continue Creating Digital Presentations (45 minutes)

Day 4:

Assessment and Sharing (45 minutes)

Day 1: Introduction and Driving Question

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How can we find and show symmetry in nature using technology?

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Day 1: �Taking Photos�

• Take students outside to the nature area.
• Allow students to explore and find natural objects (plants, leaves, flowers) that exhibit symmetry.
• Each student should take several photos using their iPads.

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Day 2: Reviewing and Editing Photos

• Begin with a quick review of symmetry and discuss any questions from the previous day.�
• Demonstrate how to use the iPad's edit option to draw lines of symmetry on their photos.�
• Students will edit their photos, drawing a line of symmetry on at least one photo.

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Day 3: Creating Digital Presentations

• Explain the different Apple creation tools available: Keynote, Apple Clips, iMovie, or Pages.�
• Students will choose a tool to create a digital presentation showcasing their photos and symmetry findings.�
• Encourage creativity in how the students present their photos and explanations.

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Day 4:

Self-Assessment & Sharing

• Facilitate a discussion on strategies used to find symmetrical objects and the importance of symmetry in nature. �
• Allow students time to fill out the self-assessment.�
• Allow students to share their digital presentations with the class, highlighting their symmetry findings and the techniques they used to share using technology.

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Assessment

• Formative Assessment:
• Observe students during the photo-taking and editing process to ensure understanding of symmetry.
• Monitor their use of technology to ensure they are effectively using the iPad’s photo editing features.
• Provide feedback on their ability to identify and draw lines of symmetry.�
• Summative Assessment:
• Review the digital presentations for accuracy in identifying and explaining lines of symmetry.
• Assess the quality of their digital presentations based on clarity, creativity, and the effective use of digital tools (aligned with Standard 6: Creative Communicator).
• Evaluate students' ability to create an original piece of work and transfer their learning to different tools or learning environments, as demonstrated in their choice and use of Apple creation tools (aligned with Standard 1: Empowered Learner).

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Differentiation

• Pair students who may need extra help with peers who are confident with technology.�
• Provide additional examples and practice drawing lines of symmetry before going outside.�
• Provide one-on-one or small group time with students who may need additional help with concept of symmetry and/or the digital creation tools.

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Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

• Challenge students to find objects with multiple lines of symmetry.�
• Have students research and include information about the importance of symmetry in nature in their presentations.�
• Encourage students to create a short video explaining the concept of symmetry to younger students.�
• Have students help redesign the lesson for next year’s class. What would they keep? What would they change?

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