Symmetry Challenge
Systematically explore the range of symmetric designs that can be created by shading whole squares of the grid below.
Use could use this sheet of blank grids to record your results, or simply squared paper.
How many can you find?
Why do this problem?
The problem requires learners to recognise and visualise the transformation of a 2D shape, and invites them to work systematically in a spatial environment. It is a problem that is accessible to most pupils even if they need support in organising and presenting their ideas and ensuring the completeness of their
solution.
Possible approach
You could start by displaying
these two shaded grids on the board to simulate a discussion about reflection symmetry. It might also help to have some blank $3$ by $3$ grids on the board for learners to shade as they talk.
Invite each pupil to produce one symmetrical shading on a copy of
this sheet of blank grids . Ask the pupils to put themselves into groups according to the number of squares they have shaded on their grid and answer the following questions:
- Are the patterns you have all symmetrical?
- Which are the same and which are different?
- Are there any more with the same number of squares shaded?
Bring the group together to talk about some of the issues, which may include talking about what counts as the same and how they went about finding all the possibilities. Introduce the task and encourage each group to work on it as a whole.
The plenary should focus on persuasion that the approach adopted by particular groups will yield all solutions. It is important not to get too 'bogged down' with listing all the possibilities. Pupils could share out all the possibilities between the group and produce one or more image each which could then be displayed in an organised fashion to emphasise a system that has been
adopted.
Key questions
Try shading $1$ square only. What symmetries are possible?
If you try shading $2, 3, 4 \ldots$squares, what symmetries are possible now?
How will you record your findings?
The $3$ by $3$ grid has four lines of symmetry and rotational symmetry of order $4$. How might this help?
Possible extension
The problem can be extended to discuss larger square lattices, e.g. $4$ by $4$ and whether there are any differences between even and odd lengths of side. The activity
Shady Symmetry is also an extension possibility.
Possible support
Some children might find it helpful to start with a $2$ by $2$ grid so that they feel confident that they understand the requirements of the problem.