Mathematics / Year 4 / Space

Curriculum content descriptions

recognise line and rotational symmetry of shapes and create symmetrical patterns and pictures, using dynamic geometric software where appropriate (AC9M4SP03)

Elaborations
  • identifying rotational symmetry of shapes by tracing around various shapes and objects to create an image, and using the image to test and record which different rotations result in the same image
  • using dynamic geometric software to manipulate shapes and create symmetrical patterns; for example, creating tessellation patterns that are symmetrical
  • using stimulus materials such as the motifs in Central Asian textiles, Tibetan artefacts, Indian lotus designs and Islamic artwork to investigate and discuss line and rotational symmetry
  • exploring the natural environment on Country/Place to investigate and discuss patterns and symmetry of shapes and objects such as in flowers, plants and landscapes
General capabilities
  • Numeracy Numeracy
ScOT terms

Shapes (Geometry),  Line symmetry,  Patterns,  Rotational symmetry

Online

Transformation: Symmetry: Year 4 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 4 is for the topic of Transformation: Symmetry. Students investigate reflection symmetry and develop their understanding of how the line of symmetry defines the two aspects of a ‘mirror’ image of the figure into two congruent halves. They explore rotational symmetry using familiar 2D shapes, ...

Downloadable

Line of symmetry

Students identify and draw the lines of symmetry by folding 2D shapes.

Text

Symmetry Year 4 - Calculate

This activity is about symmetry and transformations. The aim is for students not simply find solutions but to think about a way to record their discoveries in a systematic way. How can students share their thinking and compare their answers to someone else?

Video

MathXplosion, Ep 42: Maths in nature

Maths can be found in living things and natural structures. Explore mathematical patterns in nature, such as the tessellating hexagonal units of a honeycomb, the bilateral symmetry of a leaf, the radial symmetry of a snowflake and spiderweb, and the number of right or left spirals on a pinecone or pineapple (Fibonacci numbers).

Online

reSolve: Authentic Problems: Expanded Square

This sequence of four lessons explores concepts around informal area and symmetry. Students design an 'expanded square' where approximately half the area of the original square is flipped to the outside. The lessons provide opportunities for students to devise and use methods to informally measure area, record their mathematical ...

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Making maths: Rangoli designs

This resource is a web page containing an activity about symmetrical patterns that are used to decorate traditional Indian clothing and architecture. The patterns contain line and/or rotational symmetry. Students can examine the patterns and identify the type of symmetry present in each one. This resource is one of a series ...

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Making maths: Indian window screen

This resource is a web page containing an activity about constructing symmetrical decorative patterns. The resource provides initial step-by-step instructions for using standard grid paper to recreate an intricate pattern found in a traditional Indian window screen. This resource is one of a series of activities from the ...

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Transformations Year 3 & 4 - Calculate

This lesson helps students explore different shape transformations and describe symmetry in objects and images.

Online

Position and location: Year 4 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 4 is for the topic of Position and location. Students create and interpret simple grid maps. Location on these informal maps can be represented by grid references. They understand that a grid reference identifies a region on a map.

Online

Area and perimeter: Year 4 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 4 is for the topic of Area and perimeter. Students estimate and measure perimeter and area using informal and formal units.

Downloadable

First steps in mathematics: Measurement – Book 2

A guide to teaching about measurement including indirect measuring, and estimating.

Downloadable

My town

Students use everyday language to give directions, follow directions to locate positions on maps, and draw plans from a bird’s-eye view.

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Pattern & Algebra Year 4 - Calculate

The focus of this activity is to discover if students can use numbers to describe a pattern created with objects. We want to encourage students to record what they know about the pattern in a table and then use this information to help predict future terms and identify the rule or function for the pattern. By recording ...

Interactive

Sustainable transport – sustainability action process (Years 3–6)

This sustainable transport learning resource will guide students through an extended school based investigation. Students will develop and implement a chosen sustainability action and then evaluate and reflect on their success and their learning.

Online

Measures of turn (angles): Year 4 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 4 is for the topic of Measures of turn (angles). Students develop their understanding that an angle is a figure formed by two rays sharing a common end point, called the vertex of the angle.

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First steps in Mathematics: Space – Diagnostic tasks

A collection of diagnostic tasks designed to use with students to assess their understanding of space-related concepts in mathematics.

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Measurement: Foundation to Year 9

This comprehensive resource describes the progression of measurement ideas. The resource demonstrates examples of relevant teaching strategies, investigations, activity plans and connected concepts in measurement including teaching and cultural implications.

Online

Metric units and using instruments: Year 4 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 4 is for the topic of Metric units and using instruments. Students develop understanding and use of metric units to measure, order and compare objects according to length, mass and capacity. Introduce students to measuring temperature.

Online

Shapes and objects: Year 4 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 4 is for the topic of Shapes and objects. Students build on their knowledge of shape by combining and cutting 2D shapes.

Downloadable

First steps in mathematics: Measurement – Book 1

The content of this book is organised into topics including understanding units, and direct measuring.