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

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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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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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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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?

Downloadable

Line of symmetry

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

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

MathXplosion, Ep 33: On the grid

Explore graphs, grids and mapping with a focus on reading and writing location data using coordinate geometry. Grids and maps illustrate the concepts of parallel/perpendicular lines (axes or labelled number lines), ordered pairs and intersection points.

Interactive

Rainforest: use a grid map

Use grid references to find places on a map. Follow instructions to find four locations. As you go, look up the meaning of tricky words.

Online

reSolve: Geometry: Trapezium Pieces

This lesson explores different shapes that can be formed by cutting a trapezium in two with one straight line. Students are challenged to classify and name the shapes that are made, and justify their classifications based on the definitions and properties of shapes. The lesson is outlined in detail including curriculum ...

Online

reSolve: Algebra: Triangle Inequality

This sequence of two lessons explores the triangle inequality theorem. Students are challenged to construct triangles with a given number of matchsticks, explore and record what combinations of sticks can create valid triangles and represent their findings using mathematical expressions. Each lesson is outlined in detail ...

Video

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.

Interactive

Rainforest: use compass points

Use compass points and a scale to find places on a map. Understand abbreviations such as N, W, SW and E. Follow instructions to find four locations. As you go, look up the meaning of tricky words.

Video

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?

Video

MathXplosion, Ep 6: Zero the hero

What is the role of zero as a placeholder for large numbers such as 1 million, 1 billion and 1 trillion? Find out about the notion of place value and powers of ten through the act of bead counting.

Interactive

Area explorer

This is an interactive resource about calculating the area of a shape presented on a grid. Students are presented with a random figure and are required to calculate its area, in square units. Immediate feedback is provided and the student can make repeated attempts if a question is not answered correctly. The additional ...

Online

Programming projects

This is a unit for Year 4 from the Scope and sequence resources from the DT Hub. The topic of programming is organised into four key elements. Use this flow of activities to plan and assess students against the relevant achievement standards. Students develop an understanding of computer programming as a series of instructions.

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Right angle or acute angle?

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

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What is a fractal?

Do you know what a fractal is? Basically, fractals are never-ending patterns created by repeated mathematical equations. In this clip, Yuliya, a student at MIT (in the USA) describes the properties of fractals and shows you where they can be found in technology and nature. Have a good look at the world around you and see ...

Video

Graphing

Graphs can be used to illustrate the relationship between two variables. Watch this fun animation from NASA to learn the basics of graphing.