Using Maple Leaves to Discover Line Symmetry in Nature
The leaf was cut in half at the line of symmetry.
The buttons are also arranged with three on each side of the Maple Leaf also creating a symmetrical pattern.
The colors of the paper are opposite from one side to the other thus making them asymmetrical.
In this lens Maple Math lens we will be learning about Symmetry while using Maple Leaves to display our findings in an artistic way.
Come look for the symmetry in the Maple Leaves...
Learning about Line Symmetry in Maple Leaves
Watch a Lesson in Line Symmetry
Photo Credit: Maple Leaf
on Flickr, Creative Commons.
Before you go outside to collect leaves, set up a spot where everyone can watch this lesson on line symmetry.
With clear illustrations and simple text, children can easily understand line symmetry and be prepared to look for it outside under the Maple Tree.
- Lesson in Line Symmetry for Children
- LINKS Learning for Kids: Math: Illustrated Lessons: Line Symmetry
Symmetry in Nature
Collect some Maple Leaves and look for the line of symmetry.
Are your Maple Leaves Symetric?
Defining Symetry and Applying it to Maple Leaves
Symmetry generally conveys two primary meanings.
The first is an imprecise sense of harmonious or aesthetically pleasing proportionality and balance on either side of an axis; For example, Aristotle ascribed spherical shape to the heavenly bodies, attributing this formally defined geometric measure of symmetry to the natural order and perfection of the cosmos. such that it reflects beauty or perfection.
The second meaning is a precise and well-defined concept of balance or "patterned self-similarity" that can be demonstrated or proved according to the rules of a formal system: by geometry, through physics or otherwise.
See the rest of the article about Symmetry
on Wikipedia.
Use Symmetry to Create a Maple Leaf College
How can you use your knowledge of math to discrible your Maple Leaf College?
Photo Credit: The Remembrancer: Button Up
on Flickr, Creative Commons.
Go on a field trip to collect Maple Leaves. When you come back inside, use those leaves to create al collage. Think about what you have learned about symmetry and numbers to describe your artwork.
In Look What I Did with a Leaf! the author invites us to see how leaves can be transformed into amazing collages. Be sure to look for lines of symmetry in the leaves. Can you find any Maple Leaves?
Look What I Did with a Leaf! (Naturecraft)
A unique combination of nature craft, art theory, and field guide, .
Step-by-step how-to information for readers to assemble their own masterpieces.
An explanation and diagram of the life cycle of a leaf, and a simple field guide that identifies the samples used in the models.
This will work beautifully with a science lesson that includes an outdoor trek and art project
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/06/2009) 
Math Beyond the Maple Leaves
Math can be found Everywhere
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One of my earliest memories is helping my grandfather to tap trees and then collect the maple sap during sugaring season. When I was little there were huge Maple Trees growing on either side of the road. My grandfather explained that the number of b...
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Evelyn's Hands-on Learning Blog
Latest Article from Evelyn's Hands-on Learning Blog
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byLook Who's Twittering about Maple Leaves
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- Ananya94
- maple leaves and snow ball..*two things that i want have lately*
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- cdotcomhssports
- Maple Heights' magic run ends in a rush: Winton Woods quarterback Dominique Brown, left, leaves Maple Heights' Terr... http://bit.ly/7sOUZN
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- clevelanddotcom
- Maple Heights' magic run ends in a rush: Winton Woods quarterback Dominique Brown, left, leaves Maple Heights' Terr... http://bit.ly/7sOUZN
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- riarogel
- says maple leaves (woot) http://plurk.com/p/2vbh88
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How have you used maple leaves to teach math?
This is where readers and friends can post comments about your lens. We call it the "Guestbook" module. It's up to you to approve or delete comments as they come in.
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Reply
- ElizabethJeanAllen ElizabethJeanAllen Sep 23, 2009 @ 4:58 pm
- Cool lens! What a great way to teach the concept of symmetry.
Thanks for sharing.
Lizzy
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Reply
- WhitePineLane WhitePineLane Sep 11, 2009 @ 4:22 pm
- What an great lens and an excellent idea for teaching symmetry. I just love the way your mind works, Evelyn! There are teaching/learning opportunities all around us. It doesn't have to be dry and boring.
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Reply
- Evelyn_Saenz Evelyn_Saenz Sep 11, 2009 @ 4:03 pm | in reply to OhMe
- I know what you mean. That is one of the things that drew me to that collage. Then I started to think about how to use it in a math lesson. Children just get drawn into math when it is combined with something as beautiful as this Symetrical Math College.
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Reply
- OhMe OhMe Sep 11, 2009 @ 11:21 am
- I love that the colors in the Maple Leaf collage coordinate so well with the Rocket Moms Template. Beautiful and makes an excellent lesson on symmetry and an excellent lens.
About the Author of this Maple Leaf Math Lens
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Evelyn Saenz: Lensography of a Teacher
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My passion is teaching and finding ways to teach children in fun, hands-on, creative ways. The unit studies I make on Squidoo reflect my view that learning should be integrated and no skills should be taught in isolation. I believe that each topic s...
by Evelyn_Saenz
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