Where's the Math?

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In working with Dr. Susan Addington in the California Math Show project, I have often been asked the question, "Where's the math?" As students explore mathematics through activities such as drawing tessellating patterns or forming tessellations with activity pattern blocks, it is important for teachers to emphasize mathematical ideas. One mathematical idea that can be emphasized through tessellations is symmetry. As this page develops, I hope to provide a variety of mathematical activities along with their more formalized mathematical explanations.

The Four Types of Symmetry in the Plane

An overview of rotation, translation, reflection, and glide reflection including diagrams illustrating the four symmetries and questions that could be used with students.

Repeated Reflections of an "R"

A step-by-step lesson plan using paper, pencil, and protractor to explore reflections in the plane.