Symmetry is an important idea in maths and science.
When a shape is exactly the same on both sides, as if it were reflected in a mirror along a line, it is said to have symmetry. Some examples of regular polygons that have symmetry are a square, a circle and an equilateral triangle.
Teach your children about the symmetry using our handy topic guide!
Teaching Ideas
- Challenge your children to draw reflections using the mirror line on this worksheet.
- Try this simple way to investigate symmetry in shapes.
- Our symmetry blocks sheet has challenges at different levels.
- Encourage your children to think about symmetry with this simple worksheet.
- This art idea for making symmetrical butterflies is perfect to use with younger children.
- This interesting investigation on national flags from NRICH includes looking for lines of symmetry.
- Try this symmetry challenge from NRICH.
Resources
- Our symmetry teaching pack is full of resources to teach this topic.
- Use our symmetry banner on your display boards.
- Introduce or revise 2d shape symmetry with this learner guide from BBC Bitesize.
- This useful site from TeacherLed lets you demonstrate reflection on an IWB or tablet.
Symmetry Knowledge Organiser
Members of Teaching Packs can download a comprehensive knowledge organiser to accompany this topic. It includes key information that your children can use for reference and research.
Not a member yet? Join us today!
Symmetry Facts
- When a shape or picture has symmetry, it is symmetrical.
- A shape or picture that does not have symmetry, is said to be asymmetrical.
- You can check if a shape is symmetrical by cutting it out of paper and seeing if it can be folded exactly into two halves, along a line of symmetry.
- Symmetry can be found in the natural world, for example in the honeycomb of a beehive or the arrangement of petals on a flower.
- The Taj Mahal is an example of a symmetrical building. Not only is the building symmetrical, in includes many symmetrical patterns in the floors and decorations.
Videos
Intro to Symmetry
A wonderful video that can be used to introduce your children to the concept of symmetry.
Running time: 2:35
Symmetry Song for Kids
A song that you can use to help your children learn about symmetry!
Running time: 3:14
The Symmetry Trick
This video shows a ‘trick’ that can be used to help your children draw symmetrical pictures.
Running time: 5:21
Create a Symmetrical Butterfly
An art demonstration that you can follow to create your own painting of a symmetrical butterfly.
Running time: 4:07
Books
Look Twice
A card mirror is the key to this amazing exploration of visual and verbal connections. Each of the pictures can be transformed by means of the mirror into a pair of opposites.
What is Symmetry in Nature?
This fantastic reference book for children shows actual examples of symmetry in life.
Is It Symmetrical?
A wonderful book for younger children, with clear pictures and simple text, to introduce them to symmetry.
Seeing Symmetry
This clear and concise book explains different types of symmetry and shows you how to make your own symmetrical masterpieces.
Links
- Try this matching game from Top Marks for practising recognising symmetry.
- This fun Space Invaders game helps children practice making symmetrical patterns.
- This DKfindout! page explains and demonstrates lines of symmetry.
- Practise finding lines of symmetry with this game.
- Try these symmetry puzzle games. (Flash required).
Are you teaching your children about other topics? Explore our full collection of guides!
