Geometric shapes and symmetry are fundamental elements in both art and nature.
Essential Question:
How can we use geometric shapes and symmetry in art?
What makes symmetry aesthetically pleasing?
Objectives:
Identify and use geometric shapes in art.
Create symmetrical designs.
Understand the role of symmetry in aesthetic appeal.
Vocabulary:
Geometric Shapes: These are flat figures with straight or curved sides that come in all sorts of sizes. Think of squares, circles, triangles, and more!
Symmetry: Imagine a perfect mirror image. In shapes, symmetry means one half is the exact mirror image of the other. You can check for it by folding the shape in half!
Balance:Distribution of visual weight in a piece of art to create a sense of stability.
Reflection: This is when an image is flipped exactly like looking in a mirror. You can see reflections in shiny surfaces or create them by flipping a piece of paper with a drawing!
Materials & Resources:
Drawing paper/Graph paper(preferred)
Rulers
Compasses
Colored pencils or markers
Examples of symmetrical art (e.g., mandalas, kaleidoscopic images)
Mirrors (for demonstrating reflection symmetry)
Setup of Materials:
Prepare a slideshow with examples of geometric shapes and symmetrical art.
Arrange materials on each table: drawing paper, rulers, compasses, colored pencils/markers.
Have mirrors available for students to use during the activity.
Art Historical References:
Mandalas in various cultures
Islamic geometric art
Works by M.C. Escher
Activities:
Entrance Routine (5 minutes):
Scripted Interaction at the Door:
TWS: "Good morning! Enter the room silently and urgently. Place your portfolio and reading book in the bin under your chair and get your eyes on me. Let's get started quickly today."
Ensure students follow the entrance routine, be ready for a Positive Do It Again.
CHARGE Badge: First table with their items put away, sounds off, and eyes on me.
Introduction (5 minutes):
Brief discussion on geometric shapes and symmetry.
TWS: "Today, we are going to explore how geometric shapes and symmetry can be used to create beautiful artworks. Can anyone give me an example of a geometric shape?"
Shapes like circles, squares, and triangles are all geometric shapes.
Show examples of symmetrical art and discuss their characteristics.
TWS: "Now, let's talk about symmetry. Symmetry is when one side of something is a mirror image of the other side. Let's look at some examples."
TWS: "Look at this mandala. What do you notice about its symmetry? What effect does it have on the design?
"Both sides are the same", "It looks balanced", "It’s very pretty because it's even".
Demonstration (10 minutes):
Demonstrate how to create symmetrical designs using rulers and compasses.
TWS: "Now I am going to use a ruler and compass to create a symmetrical design. (CFU) What am I going to do?
"Use a ruler and compass to create a symmetrical design."
TWS: "Notice how I use the materials to make sure each side is identical. (CFU) What are you paying attention to?
"How you use the ruler and compass", "Making sure each side is identical".
TWS: "SCENE. I have graph paper with a grid so that can help with accuracy.
First, I’ll draw a line down the center to serve as my line of symmetry.
Then, I’ll measure equal distances on both sides. Let’s say I want to draw a triangle. I’ll measure two units to the left and two units to the right, making sure they are equal."
Now, I’m placing the compass point on the line of symmetry and drawing a circle. See how the circle is symmetrical around this line?
I’ll use the ruler to measure and draw another shape, ensuring it’s the same distance from the center on both sides."
How did I use the materials to create a symmetrical design?
"You used the ruler to draw straight lines and the compass to make circles", "You measured equal distances on both sides", "You drew a line of symmetry down the middle." = CHARGE badge for Engagement
Show how to use mirrors to find lines of symmetry in different shapes.
Activity (20 minutes):
Students create their own symmetrical designs using geometric shapes.
TWS: "Now it's your turn! You have 20 minutes to create your symmetrical designs using your rulers and compasses. Remember, each side should be a mirror image of the other. If you need help, just raise your hand. Let's set our timer for 20 minutes. Also, remember the markers need to be capped when not in use and the rulers are not for bending or hitting."
Set timer for 20 minutes
TWS: "We are moving into a yellow zone, which means you can talk quietly with your neighbors. If the noise level gets too high, we will move to a red zone of silence."
Circulate the room to provide guidance and support.
Can you show me where the line of symmetry is in your design?
Let's take a few minutes to share our designs. Who would like to show their symmetrical artwork and explain how they used symmetry?
How can you make sure both sides are the same?
CHARGE Badge for respecting materials
Cleanup, Reflection, & Transition (10 minutes):
TWS: "Macaroni Cheese, Everybody Freeze! Time's up! (Scan for no movement, sounds off) Take one minute to clean up our work areas. Remember to cap your markers and put your rulers and compasses back in the bin. Let's do this quickly and quietly! I am looking for the first table with the materials but away, art work stored in portfolio and eyes in their independent reading book, which table will earn a CHARGE badge for engagement?"
Have students share their designs and discuss the use of symmetry in their artwork.
TWS: "Let's take a few minutes to share our designs. Who would like to show their symmetrical artwork and explain how they used symmetry?"
Ask students how symmetry can enhance the visual appeal of their designs.
TWS: How does symmetry make your design more appealing? What did you find challenging or interesting about creating symmetrical art?
TWS: "Today, we learned how to use geometric shapes and symmetry to create beautiful artworks. Who can remind us why symmetry is important in art?"
Pacing:
Introduction: 5 minutes
Demonstration: 10 minutes
Activity: 20 minutes
Reflection: 5 minutes
Assessment of Challenges & Learning Gaps
Procedural: Ensuring students can use rulers and compasses accurately.
Conceptual: Understanding and applying the concept of symmetry.
Reintroduce basic geometric shapes and provide extra support with ruler and compass use.
Use peer assistance and teacher guidance during the activity.
Changes/Visual Consequences:
Emphasize how altering the position of shapes affects symmetry and balance in design.
Universal Design Learning Based Differentiation:
Provide visual aids and step-by-step instructions.
Allow for verbal explanations for students needing additional support.
Interdisciplinary Connections:
Mathematics: Geometry and symmetry.
Cultural studies: Mandalas and Islamic geometric art.
Notes:
Include images of different geometric shapes and designs for visual reference.
Allow students to explore different materials or methods for creating symmetrical designs if they express interest.
Folding Method: Take a piece of paper and fold it in half (horizontally for mirror symmetry, vertically for bilateral symmetry). You can make additional folds for more complex designs (e.g., fold in fourths for mandala-style). Draw your design on one half, and the fold will create the mirrored image on the other half.
Grid Method: Draw a grid on your paper. The grid lines will act as your guides for creating a mirrored design on one side that continues across the grid.
Be prepared to adjust the pace of the lesson based on student engagement and understanding.
Title Slide: "Introduction to Geometric Shapes and Symmetry" Slide 1: Definition and examples of geometric shapes. Slide 2: Explanation of symmetry with visual examples. Slide 3: Symmetrical art in different cultures (mandalas, Islamic art). Slide 4: Steps to create symmetrical designs. Slide 5: Student activity instructions.