Cut Stuff in Half

Kids balance many thought processes as they create symmetric images. Creating 3-D models to illustrate symmetry sweetens the activity.

1. Think about objects and shapes that can be divided into matching halves, such as pumpkins, apples, circles, and hearts.

2. Draw symmetric shapes (shapes that can be divided in half equally) on white paper with Crayola® Washable Markers. Then form your symmetric shapes with Crayola Model Magic.

3. Figure out the line of symmetry for each shape (where to cut to get two mirror image halves). Cut all the shapes in half on their lines of symmetry with Crayola Scissors.

4. Decorate both halves of each shape exactly the same with markers.

5. For even more challenge, ask a partner to hide the finished half from your view. Your partner describes what the piece looks like. You try to decorate the second half using only your partner's directions. Then bring the two halves together to see if there is sweet symmetry.

Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project.

Crayola Modeling Materials including Crayola Model Magic®, Model Magic Fusion™, Crayola Air-Dry Clay, and Crayola Dough With Small Parts— WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—

• Keep away from open flames. Do not use to make candleholders, hot plates, trivets, or other similar objects that will be used or placed near fire and other heat sources.
• Do not put in an oven, microwave, or kiln.
• Do not make into vessels/containers that will hold unpackaged food.
• If the arts & crafts project involves making small objects, follow the small parts/choking hazards standards: WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years."
• The use of modeling material to make items that look like food is discouraged for children younger than age 5 to avoid their confusion with real food.
• Unless sealed with a water-resistant glaze, do not make projects exposed to or immersed in water, such as boats or outdoor bird feeders. They would disintegrate when exposed to moisture.
• Crayola Dough—contains gluten (wheat flour) as an ingredient. Crayola Air-Dry Clay, Crayola Model Magic, and Model Magic Fusion are gluten-free. However, they are produced on the same machinery as Crayola Dough which does contain gluten. Although the machines are cleaned prior to the start of each production run, there is a slight possibility that trace amounts of gluten from Crayola Dough may be present in the other modeling compound products. For information regarding specific ingredients or allergic concerns, please call our Consumer Affairs department at 1-800-272-9652 weekdays between 9 AM and 4 PM Eastern Standard Time.

Modeling Tools—Use the least dangerous point or edge sufficient to do the job. For example, craft sticks, plastic knives and forks, and cookie cutters can cut or carve modeling materials.

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.

Mother's Day Mat

Make a Model Magic Bus

Jumping Gymnasts

Crafts

crayola supplies

• Markers
• Model Magic®
• Blunt-Tip Scissors

household supplies

• white paper
• plastic dinnerware

"The girls are really creative with symmetry. They make intricate designs that are interesting to describe and duplicate."
Christina Q., mom of two kids ages 8 and 10 years old.

"This was a great way to help children see how math and art concepts go hand in hand."
Hyun P., dad with kids ages 7 and 9.

Symmetry in nature is a good example of form making function possible. If many things in nature were not symmetrical, they could not function. Imagine a bird trying to fly with an asymmetrical body. Look for symmetrical and asymmetrical things in nature.