Lesson 4

Symmetry in Figures (Part 1)

Lesson Purpose

The purpose of this lesson is to introduce the concept of line symmetry and for students to identify lines of symmetry in two-dimensional figures.

Lesson Narrative

This lesson introduces students to symmetry as an attribute of two-dimensional figures. Students relate lines of symmetry to the lines of folding that create two identical halves: if a figure is folded along or mirrored across such a line, the two halves would overlap and match exactly. The idea of folding along or mirroring across a line is essential here, as there are some figures that could be decomposed into two identical halves but have no line symmetry.

After reasoning about the meaning of lines of symmetry from examples and non-examples, students work to identify figures that have line symmetry and draw lines of symmetry.

  • Representation
  • MLR8

Learning Goals

Teacher Facing

  • Describe lines of symmetry for two-dimensional figures and identify figures with line symmetry.

Student Facing

  • Let’s describe symmetry in two-dimensional figures.

Required Materials

Materials to Gather

Materials to Copy

  • Shape Cards Grade 4
  • Perfect Matches

Required Preparation

Activity 1:

  • Make copies of the set of figures in the second question available for cutting and for demonstration during the lesson synthesis.

Activity 2:

  • Sort the shape cards from the previous lessons into three groups of 12 cards (A–L, M–X, and Y–JJ).

CCSS Standards

Addressing

Lesson Timeline

Warm-up 10 min
Activity 1 20 min
Activity 2 15 min
Activity 3 10 min
Lesson Synthesis 10 min
Cool-down 5 min

Teacher Reflection Questions

What ideas do students have about symmetry? How will you leverage those ideas in the next lesson?

Suggested Centers

  • Which One? (K–5), Stage 4: Grade 3 Shapes (Supporting)
  • Can You Draw It? (1–5), Stage 4: Area and Perimeter (Supporting)

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