Overview:  Students will create a painting with symmetry.

Keywords:       Pattern
                           Colors (i.e. red, blue, yellow, green…)
                           Symmetry

Learning Objectives:  By completion of this unit on Painting, students will be able to:
1. Identify the patterns.
2. Create symmetry in a simple form.
3. Recognize symmetry in the world around them.
4. Problem solve in other areas of school.  (i.e. science, math, poetry, art, music.)

Assessment Tool and Scoring Criteria
1. Have the students attempt to create simple form of symmetry.
2. Have students identify symmetry in each other’s art. .
3. Students will demonstrate symmetry by the use of shapes and items in the room.
4. Students will begin to identify and create complex patterns.
5. Identify the close-packed arrangements in stenciling.

Materials:
1. Paint
It is best to use a variety of colors.  For smaller children, washable paint is recommended.
2. Colored construction paper (12x18)
3. Plastic spoons
4. Bowls
5. Paper plates
6. Paper towels

Procedure:
1. Break the students into groups of 3-4.
2. Pass out construction paper out to each student.
3. Pour paint into the bowls and pass out to each group.
4. Demonstrate how to fold the paper and pour the paint in the center.
5. Open up the paper and show the symmetry.
6. Demonstrate how to fold the paper.
7. Allow the students to help each other pour the center of the paper.
8. Fold the paper together and press lightly.
9. The entire class should open the papers at the same time.
10. Discuss the symmetry that was formed from the paint.
11.  Demonstrate how to create Closed-packed Arrangements and symmetry.

Correctives:
1. Teacher further demonstrates symmetry with items in the classroom.
2. Review simple symmetry on the students’ artwork.
3. Send students into groups of 2-3 to further work on symmetry.

Extensions:
Extensions 1-3 are good for grades K-2
Extensions 1-7 are good for grades 2-4

1. Students will identify things in nature with symmetry.  (i.e. butterflies, worms…)
2. Lessons with mirrors.
3. Demonstrate how numbers, letters, and shapes can be split in two with perfect symmetry.
4. Create a picture with symmetry.  (i.e. use stencils)
5. Make kites with symmetry.
6. Lessons with a weighing scale.
7. Identify symmetry in math, poetry, science, and art lessons.