Activity Overview
Students learn to use pattern blocks to investigate symmetry by building a design, making its mirror image, and using the calculator to determine the value of both the design made and its reflection.
Before the Activity
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print pages 41 - 44 from the attached PDF file for your class
During the Activity
Distribute the page to the class.
Follow the activity procedures:
Make a simple design with pattern blocks, and decide on a line of symmetry
Transfer the design to the triangular grid using crayons or markers
Assign a value of 1cent to the green triangle and with the help of the calculator find the value of the design
Use additional blocks to build the mirror image
Predict the value of the reflected design
Use the calculator to find the total value of the reflected design and compare with the predicted value
After the Activity
Review student results
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary