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

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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?

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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 ...

Downloadable

Line of symmetry

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

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 ...

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).

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Transformations Year 3 & 4 - Calculate

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

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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 ...

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, ...

Video

Mixed Up Maths, Ep 7: Daredevil geometry

What does a daredevil jumps rider need to know about geometry? Find out as we discover angles for take off and for landing. But before we do that sit down for some angles basics! A good place to start is angles of turn through a circle from a 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, all the way to one full turn. See how many each represents as an angle.

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For the Juniors: Drawing a floor plan

How do we know what a house will look like before it is built? Discover how house plans work by looking at the design of a house that Hugo's family is going to build. See how a floor plan shows the room layout. See drawings of what the house will look like from different views.

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For the Juniors: Measure ingredients to make a cake

Sarah is following a recipe. There are some different units of measure used in the recipe. Watch the video to see what these measurement words are. How much of each ingredient is needed? How are the ingredients combined to make the cake?

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Right angle or acute angle?

What's the difference between a right angle and an acute angle? Find out!

Online

Taronga Zoo - Wild Australia: iPad app

This iPad app is designed for Stage 2 students to use while on excursion in the Wild Australia area in Taronga Zoo Sydney and at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo. Students create a field report from observations and can email and review their editable summary poster for further study back at school. The app has intuitive ...

Online

MoneySmart: The house of needs and wants

This is a unit of work integrating aspects of the mathematics, English and science curriculums around planning a school breakfast. The unit was written for year 3 and is intended to take about 12 hours. It consists of 11 student activities supported by teacher notes on curriculum, pedagogy and assessment. Student activities ...

Interactive

Introduction to polygons

Try this tutorial to test your knowledge of polygons (straight-sided shapes).

Interactive

Waste and materials – sustainability action process (Years 3–6)

This resource guides students through an extended school-based or local investigation focussed on waste and materials using the five-step sustainability action process. The resource supports the investigation of a real-world issue or problem. Students develop and implement a chosen sustainability action and then evaluate ...

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.

Downloadable

First steps in mathematics: Space

This guide supports teachers to develop students’ geometric understandings.

Downloadable

Broken ruler

This task can be used to reveal whether students can use markings on a ruler to measure in centimetres and whether they understand how the number on the scale relates to the units.

Downloadable

Leaf task

Use this diagnostic task to assess understanding of area and measuring the area of an irregular shape.