Kaleidoscope Names- Radial Symmetry Designs

Can you see the name?  MEG 

 
My 5th & 6th grade students are creating Kaleidoscope Names.  This is a simple project but it looks really complex when it is done. We discussed radial symmetry.  The students had fun trying to discover what name was in each design when we were finished.  Some were easier than others.

Step by step:
1. Start with a 12" x 12" piece of white drawing paper.  You can make it smaller or larger but make sure it is square.

2. Fold the paper in half to create 8 equal triangles.

8 equal triangles

3. Now, in one of the triangles write your name or a word in bubble letters.  Make sure your letters touch the top and the bottom of the triangle or the words will not join together.  Leave the top and the bottom of each letter open.  Press hard with your pencil. (The name in this design is Lola.)

Make sure your word/name touches the top & bottom of the triangle.

4. Next, fold the paper in half and rub the back to transfer the words to the next triangle.  The words will be backwards and light.  I use a marker to rub the paper but a bone folder would work better if you have one.

Rubbing the image with the marker.

Lola appears in the next triangle very light. 

5. Trace over the word to make it darker.

6. Fold in half again and rub.  Then trace again.  Repeat until the entire page is covered.

Lola completed and ready for markers.

Lola completed!