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Maple Math and Symmetry
Using Maple Leaves to Discover Line Symmetry in Nature
Look at this beautiful collage of a Maple Leaf with buttons on softly colored paper.
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...
Photo Credit: The Remembrancer: Button Up by Cat Sidh
on Flickr, Creative Commons.
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
Photo Credit: Asymmetric
Used under creative commons
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.
Maple Leaf Math - Autumn Math Lessons in Symmetry
Photo Credit: The Remembrancer: Button Up by Cat Sidh
on Flickr, Creative Commons.
Use Symmetry to Create a Maple Leaf College - How can you use your knowledge of math to describe your Maple Leaf College?
Go on a field trip to collect Maple Leaves. When you come back inside, use those leaves to create a collage. Think about what you have learned about symmetry and numbers to describe your artwork.
In 
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
Hunting the Hidden Dimension - NOVA program about Fractals
Not Symmetrical but not quite Asymmetrical, what are fractals?
What do clouds, stalks of broccoli, and the rhythm of your heart have in common? Fractals – the irregular, repeating shapes that are found almost everywhere in nature, but whose governing principles were considered beyond the limits of our mathematical understanding well into the 20th century.
Maple Math
Writing about Math
Come write about maple trees and natural symmetry on Wizzley, a fun and easy place to express your opinion:
How have you used maple leaves to teach math?
no but now i know how useful they are, thanks
I was just watching a TV special about fractals. I think it was on PBS. You should check it out. I was fascinated by all the implications in all walks of life!
Cool lens! What a great way to teach the concept of symmetry.
Thanks for sharing.
Lizzy
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.
- Author
[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.
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.
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