Skip to Main Content
Lesson Plan Image

Symmetrical Insects

Students will learn about symmetry and then design and create a symmetrical insect.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

Steps

  • Step 1

    Explain that symmetry refers to balance in appearance, where one side of an object or picture is a mirror image of the other side. Many insects display symmetry. Butterflies are a great example as are many beetles. And honeybees build perfectly symmetrical hives. Read a book such as "Seeing Symmetry" by Loreen Leedy or "What is Symmetry in Nature?" by Bobbie Kalman. Ask students to point out examples they see in the book or around the classroom.

  • Step 2

    Ask students to create a symmetrical insect. They might be inspired by images of real insects, or they may want to design an original creature with symmetrical features. They can color and cut out shapes to represent the insect's body and glue them to another piece of paper. They can then embellish the shapes by drawing in eyes, legs, antennae, or other features.

  • Step 3

    Have students present their insects to the class and point out the symmetry in their art.

Standards

MATH: Analyze, compare, create, and compose math ideas using written, oral, and drawn lines, shapes, forms, and patterns.

MATH: Look for and create constructed or natural structures and patterns.

Adaptations

Challenge children to go on a symmetry scavenger hunt, either at school or at home. Ask them to report back on the symmetrical images or objects they found.

Children can create a symmetrical painting. Ask them to fold a piece of paper down the middle and draw a line down the fold. Then have them paint a design in various colors on one side, and, while the paint is still wet, refold the paper and gently press the sides together. When they unfold it, a symmetrical design will be revealed.