Finding Symmetry in Nature

Symmetry Is All Around Us

Symmetry is all around us in summertime. Children are fascinated with insects, flowers and other natural objects that are symmetrical.  This is an opportunity to talk about some math concepts and make beautiful symmetrical objects in nature.

  There are two main types of symmetry: rotational and reflection. When children point the top or bottom of pine cones at their nose they can see that both sides of the swirl or rotation are the same.  If children look at a butterfly and cover one half going north and south, they will see both sides are the same (reflection). If they place a little mirror down the center (going north and south) they will see the reflection is exactly like the other half.

Collect Nature

  When families go on car trips or hikes they can collect symmetrical clam shells, leaves, flowers, rocks, insects, or take close up pictures of them.

Two Main Types of Symmetry

Point out to children that their bodies and shadows are symmetrical, too. Is their house symmetrical? Look at family pets. When they are observed at certain angles are they symmetrical? 

 This easy art project is another way to play with symmetry. Gather some drinking straws to use as eye droppers for colors of poster paint, markers, sheets of paper, small stones, or art jewels.

  Help children fold a paper in half either the long way or short way. Open the paper and drop several colors of paint from the straw “eye droppers” onto one half of the paper next to the fold line. Children can now fold the paper over the paint. Rub gently over the paper to blend the colors. Open the paper and talk about the “blobby” shape that has appeared. Point out that what is on one side of the fold is also on the other side of the fold. Look for the symmetry.

Symmetry Search

  While the paint is drying, search for symmetry in leaves, flowers, pine cones, insects, and other objects in your own back yard. Children often enjoy taking 

 Close-Ups of Insects on Flowers

close up pictures of colorful insects on bright flowers that are also symmetrical. Use a magnifying glass and study some insects or spiders you find. Talk about what makes them spiders and insects the same and different.

  Once the paint is dry children can use markers to add antennae, wings, eyes and legs. To make the new insect even more beautiful children may want glue on craft jewels. They can name the new insect and put it on display.

  Some books about symmetry include: “What is Symmetry in Nature?” by Bobbie Kalman and “Is it Symmetrical?” by Nancy Allen. 

Photos: Fran Darling - fdarling fotos

  For more science and math STEM adventures go to -  grandparentsteachtoo.blogspot.com and wnmufm.org/Learning Through the Seasons live Tuesdays at 4:30pm and Saturdays at 8:30 am and pod casts archived on the site.

Family Treasure Hunts in Museums

Museums Have Treasures

Many families stop at local museums while traveling.  They are a fine break from riding in the car.  These museums often have treasures and a flavor of the area and its past.  However, young children often want to go through like they do most everything—fast.  While older children and adults may want to take time to read and do interactive exhibits.

  A very easy game takes no preparation, slows everything down a bit so everyone can enjoy the experience, and provides something to discuss in the car while resuming the 

Make Sketches of Favorite Displays

trip.

  You will need a spiral notebook and pen for each family member or team of a very young child with an older child or adult.

Family Meeting

  You can set the ground rules of museum politeness and respect: Find at least five exhibits you find interesting. Use soft indoor voices.  WALK around.  Do not touch exhibits or artifacts unless invited by signs. Ask questions of guides. Do not enter roped off areas. Meet at a certain place at a designated time. When leaving, everyone 

Ask Questions of Guides

thanks the museum personnel for what they do.  The guides might enjoy seeing some of the children’s sketches.

  While looking around each family member or team makes a “Find Five Artifacts” game.  Make a sketch and write words that will help another member find the five artifacts when they meet with one other person/team and switch sketches.  When the other members find the artifact, they must read the sign, find the use of the item and be ready to explain its part in history or tell its story.

Share History

Native American Displays Show Our Past

For example, there might be a solar compass in an exhibit about the discovery of iron ore.  They may be a wigwam and display of wool blankets Native Americans traded for furs with the Europeans.  What do the lines stand for?  Sometimes there are two or three, long or short.  What is the meaning?

  Meet others twice and exchange games.  Members will have written answers and notes on a separate piece of paper. Share a bit, but save the most for the car trip.   

  Before leaving, each member may pick one exhibit to share with the family and play the part of a docent/explainer.

  Usually no pictures are allowed inside museums, but take a picture outside the museum and make a note of the address.

Back home Grandparents will enjoy the

Share Information About a Favorite Activity 

sketches and listening to children tell about their museum adventure.  Children will learn how to visit a museum and to take time to observe.  They will learn that visiting a museum is not a race. There are treasures inside. 

Photos: Fran Darling, fdarling fotos from: Fort Michilimackinac and Marquette Regional History Center

More Vocabulary Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores. For more help to prepare young children for success, check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio, 90; Youtube