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!

Haring Inspired Designs

Haring Inspired Designs

2nd Grade looked at examples of art by Keith Haring.  Haring was known for his bright colors and images of people and dogs.  His art work has a fun, expressive energy.  This lesson was designed by my student teacher (Miss Jones) last year.  It was so well done that I have continued it this year.

For more about Keith Haring check out the following website:

 http://www.haringkids.com/index.html

Name Aliens

Name Aliens

My 3rd grade students are having a blast practicing cursive handwriting in a creative way.  We are making Name Aliens.  This is also a great example of symmetry. 

To create your Name Alien you will need a 12 x 18 inch piece of drawing paper. 

1. Fold it in half long ways (like a hot dog bun).

2. Write your name in cursive on the center fold line.  Press hard with the pencil.

3. Fold it back in half and rub on the outside transferring the pencil lines to the other side of the paper.

4. Open and go over the lines with your pencil again.

5. Trace with a sharpie marker. 

6. Add silly eyes, nose, mouth, ears, feet, hands, etc.

7. Color with markers or crayons.

More to come.....