Reflective Symmetry

Definition

A pattern that occurs when two halves of a whole are

each other’s mirror images. This is also called

Bilateral Symmetry.

Examples

Imagining a mirror placed between the left and right halves of the images reveals reflective symmetry.

Activities

Follow the next three slides to three different web links.

Reflection Codes

This website explores reflective symmetry using a mirror.

http://www.fi.edu/qa97/me3/It uses numbers and letters to illustrate

how symmetric symmetry can be used to make secret codes.

After exploring this website see if you can use a secret code.

Reflection Interactive Applet

This website offers an interactive example of reflective symmetry.

http://matti.usu.edu/nlvm/nav/frames_asid_206_g_4_t_3.html

With this virtual manipulative you can create objects with pattern

block pieces and explore Reflections as transformations of

the plane.

Inversions

This website explores the inversion artist, Scott Kim’s works.

http://www.scottkim.com/inversions/

An inversion is a word or name written so it reads in more than one way. This

type of art is heavily based on reflective symmetry.

After exploring this website, make an inversion of your own.

Rotational Symmetry

Click on the graphic to go to the presentation on Rotational Symmetry

Repetitive Symmetry

Click on the graphic to go to the presentation on Repetitive Symmetry.

Gallery

Click on any graphic to go to the Gallery presentation.