maker monday

Maker Monday: Sweet Symmetry

This week’s Maker Monday activity takes a look at symmetry, a property of geometry in which both sides of a shape are exact reflections of each other. The line of symmetry is the dividing line separating the two opposite sides.

One way to practice recognizing symmetrical shapes is to fold a piece of paper in half, and use scissors to cut a shape on the fold. When you open the paper, what you see is a symmetrical shape, with the fold being the line of symmetry.

Here’s a fun way to explore symmetry that goes beyond paper and scissors. This activity makes learning about symmetry not only fun but a sweet treat.

This S.T.E.A.M. project — science, technology, engineering, art, and math — comes from Education.com.

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Supplies:

Paper

Scissors

Small tortillas, at room temperature

Cooking spray

Powdered sugar

Kitchen shears

Cookie sheet

Kids can practice cutting shapes with folded paper and scissors. Remind them that they will only need to cut half of the symmetrical shape to create it on folded material because they are cutting on the line of symmetry. Challenge them to create certain shapes, such as a heart, tree, or a boat.

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Gently fold a tortilla in half. Do not crease, as this can tear the tortilla. Kids can use the kitchen shears to cut shapes on the fold.

Gently open the tortilla to check the symmetrical shape. If necessary, refold the tortilla to add more cuts and snips as desired.

Now it’s time to turn symmetry practice into a sweet treat. Spray both sides of the tortilla with cooking spray, and place on a cookie sheet. Mom or Dad can pop it into a 350-degree preheated oven for a few minutes until light golden brown.

Remove from the oven and sprinkle immediately with powdered sugar. Now enjoy eating your sweet symmetry treat!

For other Maker Monday projects and fun stuff for kids, visit the Kidsburgh Activities page.