Sooz Williams - ©2005

What Is Symmetry?
Symmetry = Same
If something has
symmetry it is the
SAME on both sides
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 For
Example:A butterfly has
symmetry.
If you draw a line
down the center
of a butterfly,
both sides are
the same!
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 Some More
Examples:

Many kinds of Many living things Even people have

food have have symmetry! symmetry – most
symmetry!
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of the time!
 Sometimes, even very
complicated things have
symmetry:

Like this building! It is called Aston

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 The 2 sides are the same!

The 2 sides are symmetrical!

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 When the line of
symmetry goes up and
down,

It is called VERTICAL
symmetry
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 VERTICAL

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up and down
 Another kind of symmetry
is HORIZONTAL
symmetry

Horizontal means across,

or side to side
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 For Example:

Many common This bow and This ladybug has

objects have arrow has horizontal
horizontal horizontal symmetry
symmetry! symmetry.!
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 HORIZONTAL

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side to side
 Sometimes, objects have
both vertical and
horizontal symmetry:

vertic AND horizontal

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 Can you see the symmetry
in this pattern?

This object has two lines of symmetry

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 Which of these patterns
is symmetrical?

Nope! Yes! Nope!

(one line of symmetry)
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 Which of these patterns is
NOT symmetrical?

This pattern is not

symmetrical!

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 Does this object have vertical
symmetry or horizontal
symmetry?

Both!

In fact, you could argue that this object

has 4 lines of symmetry! (although not
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 Can you find
symmetry in the
world around you?
Resources End Show

Created by Sooz Williams - ©2005

 References
 Houghton, John and Rod Birch. "Aston Hall History." Aston History
Homepage. 2002. 19 Apr 2005 <http://www.astonbrook-through-
astonmanor.co.uk/id77.htm>.

 All other graphics courtesy of Microsoft Office Clip Art Online

End Show

Sooz Williams - ©2005