STEAM Ahead
Chicago Height/ Park Forest, Illinois
Science Technology Engineering Art Math

Colors, Shapes, and Symmetry Lessons 9-15:


2D Symmetry and 3D Symmetry Cities


developing an understanding of symmetry to create two- and three-dimensional collaborative works

Grade Level Focus: 2nd Grade
School: 21st Century Primary
Teaching Artist: David Sprecher
Classroom Teacher: Andrea Mele
Materials: tape, classroom manipulables (blocks, Legos, etc.)
Lessons: 7
Unit: Colors, Shapes, and Symmetry



Summary Observe examples of symmetry in the world. Use two- and three-dimensional materials to create a wide range of symmetrical projects.
Lesson Sequence
Lesson 9-10: Observe a series of photographs to review symmetry. Work in partners to create two-dimensional symmetrical images. 

Lessons 11-12: Observe three-dimensional symmetry. Partners work together to create symmetrical constructions across painters tape. Expand three-dimensional symmetry to begin building a symmetry city.

Lesson 13: Observe the snowflake photography of Wilson Bentley. Create six-sided radial symmetry cities. 

Lesson 14: Create abstract symmetry cities. Reflect whether or not the symmetry cities meet the definition of “art”. 

Lesson 15: Present symmetry cities with others.
Next Generation Science Standards
2-PS1-1
2-PS1-2
K-2-ETS1-1
K-2-ETS1-2
National Visual Arts Standards
Anchor Standard 1: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
VA:Cr1.1.2a, VA:Cr1.2.2a
      
Anchor Standard 2: Organize and develop ideas and work.
VA:Cr2.1.2a, VA:Cr2.2.2a   

Anchor Standard 3: Refine and complete artistic work.
VA:Cr3.1.2a

PRESENTING
Anchor Standard 6: Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic works.
VA:Pr6.1.2a                                                                                      
RESPONDING
Anchor Standard 8: Interpret and meaning in artistic work.
VA:Re8.1.2a           

CONNECTING
Anchor Standard 10: Synthesis and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art. VA:Cn10.1.2a  

Anchor Standard 11: Compare and contrast cultural uses of artwork from different times and places.
VA:Cn11.1.2a
Artist Connections
Wilson Bentley
Additional Resources
David Sprecher and Andrea Mele presenting on symmetry cities project
Work examples:

Lesson 9-10: Review Symmetry, Create 2D Symmetrical Images

examples of symmetry from teaching artist, David Sprecher

creating 2D symmetrical images creating 2D symmetrical images presenting 2D symmetrical images


Lesson 11-12: Observe 3D Symmetry, Begin & Expand Symmetry Cities

introducing 3D symmetry beginning 3D symmetry expanding symmetry cities

Lesson 13: Observe and Create



Wilson Bentley’s snowflake photography creating radial symmetry cities creating radial symmetry cities

Lesson 14: Create Abstract Symmetry Cities & Discuss

symmetry cities cascading off of desks expanding abstract symmetry cities discussing symmetry cities

Lesson 15: Present Symmetry Cities

presenting symmetry cities


Colors, Shapes, and Symmetry Lessons
Use these links to view sections of the unit plan.


STEAM Ahead
Project Components