The Hungarian journal, Symmetry: Culture and Science, published Dr. Cotter’s article called “Symmetry for Children Using Drawing Board Tools and Tangrams.”
In this article, Dr. Cotter explains how children as young as 5 years old can create equilateral triangles, hexagons, squares, and other figures using a scaled-down version of traditional drafting tools, such as the T-square, 30-60 triangle, and the 45 triangle. Older students are able to draw lines and create figures around a line of symmetry, both vertically and horizontally, using these drawing tools along with tangram pieces. As students work through the activities discussed in the article, they learn to analyze what needs to be drawn and how to make a plan to achieve the desired results.
Throughout this piece, Dr. Cotter explains how to use drawing tools to divide equilateral triangles into halves, thirds, fourths, ninths, and twelfths. She shows examples of how to draw equilateral triangle symmetry, hexagon symmetry, square symmetry, and tangram symmetry that involve rotation and variations. You will also see colorful examples of how to draw inscribed and overlapping stars, which are activities students thoroughly enjoy.
Learn about the educational benefits students gain when teaching more than just basic arithmetic. One benefit of drawing activities is that they combine artistry and mathematics. As students work through these engaging projects, they enjoy their creations, develop an appreciation for geometry, and discover the beauty of mathematics.
To read the article in full and get ideas of how you can bring more geometry into your classroom, click here.
Contact us for more information about how RightStart Math includes geometry in the curriculum, even in the elementary grades.
