Education Technology


Symmetry with Pattern Blocks

Activity Overview

Students learn to use pattern blocks to build a design that has a line of symmetry. They use the calculator to determine the value of half the design. They predict and then find the value of the entire design.

After the Activity

Students will explore the following concepts in this activity:

  • whole numbers
  • addition
  • symmetry
  • 2-dimmensional geometric figures

About the Lesson

Distribute the student activity page to the class. Students will need pattern blocks to do the activity, which can be cut from the handout provided.

Students will use pattern blocks to build a design that has a line of symmetry. They will predict the value of half the design, if the value of a triangle is 1 cent. Next, have them predict the value of the entire design, find the values and compare with the predicted values. Repeat the activity with other values of the triangle and two lines of symmetry.