Geometry - What is Rotational Symmetry?

Rotational Symmetry is when a figure is rotated less than a full turn around its center point so that it would fit perfectly on the original shape. 


Many natural and man-made objects are symmetrical in 2 and 3 dimensions.

Snowflakes and the petals of some flowers have rotational symmetry.

Suggested Activities for Students

• Have students explore their homes and classrooms to look for examples of rotational symmetry.

• Have students explore their outdoor environment to look for examples of rotational symmetry. Take a camera!

• Have students look in magazines, catalogs, books, etc. for pictures of rotational symmetry.

• Have students identify, sketch, and/or label shapes that have rotational symmetry. All regular polygons (and regular polyhedra) have rotational symmetry.

Circle

• Have students use GEOBOARDS to create rotational symmetry designs.

• Have students use GEOMETRIC SHAPES or other MANIPULATIVES to create rotational symmetry designs.

Attribute Blocks

Pattern Blocks

• Have students use Art Materials to create rotational symmetry designs. 

          ~ Art Supplies - crayons, colored pencils, paint, etc.
          ~ Stickers
          ~ Dot Paper
          ~ Grid Paper
          ~ Popsicle Sticks
          ~ Pretzel Sticks
          ~ Etc.

• View videos about symmetry. Click on the links below.

              ~ Rotational Symmetry - 3rd grade lesson 

              ~ Identify and Describe Rotational Symmetry

              ~ Order of Rotational Symmetry

• Read books about Symmetry

Have fun with Symmetry!