Superlesson
Project 3-1
Foundations of Algebra and Geometry
Chapter 3, Drawings and Patterns
Symmetry is very pleasing to the eye. It represents beauty as well as order. Use the Internet to investigate symmetry in art, architecture, and biology.
Part A, Symmetry
1. Examine and print the pictures at the following sites:
a. Draw the lines of symmetry on each picture. If the picture has more than one line of symmetry, draw all the lines.
b. How many lines of symmetry does each picture have?
2. What is the most number of lines of symmetry a picture could have?
3. How do you know where to draw a line of symmetry?
Part B, Tessellations
4. People have used tessellations in art, architecture, clothing, and pottery for hundreds of years. Explore some uses of tessellations in architecture.
a. Tour the Alhambra in southern Spain. Click on the camera icons to see the pictures.
b. Which places show examples of symmetry and tessellations?
c. Explore geometrical patterns in Islamic architecture and design. Click on each picture and describe the geometrical principles being used.
Part C, Making Connections
5. Review tessellations at the MathForum math site. Name 3 polygons that tessellate.