Lesson One: Symmetry Mystery
Nigel, the youngest member of the MathTek “Nature Discoveries” group, finds a torn book page lying on the floor. On the page is a large picture of one-half of a butterfly. The five children soon find themselves involved in a “symmetry mystery.” The children begin a discussion about symmetry that leads to the recognition and definition of other kinds of patterns in nature. MathTek CD and Internet resources are used by the group to find photographs of butterflies and other insects with symmetrical shapes. The children decide to search for the book with the missing page. They use a process of sorting and eliminating books to narrow their choices. By recognizing the book’s attributes, the MathTek team is able to eliminate enough books so that only five remain. Caitlin eventually solves the “symmetry mystery” when she finds the book and matches the butterfly’s wings!
