Using the Blooms
Topic: Using the leaves, petals and stems of various plants to teach
symmetry
and
congruency
.
Task Analysis
1. To fold the leaves to show symmetry.
2. To match and compare petals of flowers to prove congruency.
Materials
1. Petals and leaves of plants.
2. Mirror (if available), scissors, paper, pencils.
Organization
1. Whole class discussion.
2. Individual activity.
Procedure:
The lesson could be done in two days.
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1. Discuss the meaning of symmetry or congruency.
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2. Using the leaf show the main vein that acts as the line of symmetry. Fold the leaf to show how both sides match.
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3. Using certain flowers (with petals arranged in groups) show the center as the axis of symmetry.
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4. Have students draw or trace each type of flower, those with line symmetry and point symmetry.
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5. Have them determine in how many ways the leaf can fit its outline. Students can make a list of the type of plants and type of symmetry each has.
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6. For congruency students can match leaves to show what types of leaves are congruent.
Extension
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1. Students can study different leaf formation of various trees and could look for patterns e.g. Fibonacci sequence.
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2.
Science
: Students could take the nature wall to look for different types of leaves.
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3.
Art
: Use leaf tracing for decoration. Dry leaves and flowers to make wall hangings.
