Symmetry in Relation to Axes | Teachy Summary
Once upon a time, in a land not so distant, there existed a magical school where learning mathematics was not limited to studying numbers and formulas in books. In this enchanted school, a class of 7th graders was about to embark on an extraordinary journey into the world of symmetry. They did not yet know it, but they were on the brink of a great adventure that would change how they viewed the world around them.
On that specific day, after a lesson filled with lively discussions about axes of symmetry, the teacher decided to reveal a story he had kept secret for a special moment. It was the legend of the legendary Kingdom of Symetreland, a place where every creation, every detail, was perfectly balanced. According to the legend, somewhere hidden in the kingdom, lay an infinite treasure of knowledge. However, only those who mastered the art of symmetry could find it.
The students, their eyes shining with curiosity and enthusiasm, were informed that to find this mythical treasure, they would have to divide into groups and complete magical missions. Each mission would give them the ability not only to visualize but also to apply symmetry around them. And thus began the incredible journey of each group through the depths of the Kingdom of Symetreland.
Group 1 was called the Image Explorers. Equipped with their cell phones and tablets, they were tasked with capturing the essence of their environment through photos that demonstrated symmetry. To do this, they needed to identify axes of symmetry in the collected images and then edit them using apps like Instagram, Snapseed, or VSCO. Their adventure began in the magical garden of the school, where they discovered symmetry in the flower petals. Walking a bit further, they found surprising symmetrical shapes in the majestic arches of the school's architecture. Each discovery was recorded along with the challenges faced in editing to enhance the symmetry found.
Questions to advance Group 1's mission: How would you identify an axis of symmetry in a flower? Which app would you use to edit an image and enhance its symmetry?
The journey of Group 2, named the Minecraft Builders, took them to the wonderful and virtual Kingdom of Minecraft. Their mission was to build structures that demonstrated principles of symmetry, both vertical and horizontal. With creativity and precision, they had to plan their buildings on paper before bringing them into the virtual world. Assisted by their block palette, they began to raise imposing castles and enchanting gardens, both mirroring a rigorous principle of symmetry. During the construction, they not only honed their spatial skills but also reflected on how symmetry influenced the aesthetics and stability of their structures.
Questions to advance Group 2's mission: How would you plan a construction that has vertical and horizontal axes of symmetry? What distinguishes the reflective symmetry you might find in a Minecraft building?
The third group, dubbed the Game Designers, immersed themselves in the universe of creating digital characters. Using tools like Canva, Pixlr, or GIMP, they were challenged to draw characters that had perfect symmetry. They created all kinds of creatures - from knights to wizards, each reflecting impressive balance. The adventure became an artistic immersion where they debated how symmetry enriches visual design. With each stroke, they revealed the magic of creating something beautiful and perfectly balanced.
Questions to advance Group 3's mission: Which axes of symmetry would you choose to create an appealing and balanced game character? How would you utilize reflective symmetry in character design?
As the journey drew to a close, the groups gathered on an online platform to share their spectacular discoveries. In an enthusiastic presentation, they showcased their photos, sketches, and constructions, highlighting the identified axes of symmetry. They discussed the challenges faced in finding perfect symmetry and adjusting the tools in their different working platforms.
The final meeting was a moment of reflection led by the teacher. The Image Explorers talked about the symmetry in butterfly wings and architectural details they had never noticed before. The Minecraft Builders spoke of the complexity and beauty uncovered while planning and building symmetrical structures. Meanwhile, the Game Designers shared how they felt like true artists, understanding the importance of symmetry in visual and aesthetic creation.
Thus, on that memorable day, the students not only learned about mathematics and symmetry but discovered that the true treasure of Symetreland was the shared knowledge and the joy of learning in a fun and collaborative way. The combination of digital and creative skills showed them that learning can be a grand adventure, rich in discoveries and emotions. And so, the Kingdom of Symetreland was saved once again, thanks to the wisdom and creativity of the brave young adventurers.
