Twirl
Twirl
Imagine you folded a piece of paper in half twice, creating four quadrants. Then, imagine that you could draw the same shapes in each of the quadrants. That’s exactly what the twirl art and math activity does!
This online symmetry activity is perfect for helping kids understand the concept of symmetry. To use the symmetry tool, simply choose a color from the palette at the bottom of the screen. Then, choose your pencil size by clicking on the dot above the canvas. Then, draw in the upper left-hand quadrant and watch it magically appear in the other quadrants. If you want to erase your drawing, click the trash can symbol. Switch colors and brush sizes at any time to create interesting drawings.
Challenge students to explore symmetry with the following prompts:
- Can you make a circle?
- Can you make a square?
- Can you make a triangle?
- Can you make a flower?
- Can you draw a house?
Ask students to explain why it’s possible to make some shapes and drawings, but not others. Encourage students to explore symmetrical shapes and art forms such as mandalas. You may also explore the geometrical concept of symmetry and specifically radial or rotational symmetry with students. Some examples of radial symmetry in nature include an orange slice, sunflowers, and snowflakes.