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Lesson Overview
Symmetry Space
GRADES 3-5 MATH AND ART
I recently discovered an incredible lesson idea from art educator Natalie Waggenspack and couldn’t help but twist it a bit into a another STEAM lesson for you. Natalie’s original idea was a study on value (tinting and shading color) and line using painted paper and white colored pencils. I’ve extended that a bit here to have an intentional exploration surrounding symmetry in math and positive and negative space in art. It’s called Symmetry Space STEAM Lesson.
Begin by viewing various artwork that demonstrates the use of positive/negative space and which contain symmetrical elements. Some examples include M.C. Escher and Greek pottery. Using the Escher gallery of symmetry (http://www.mcescher.com/gallery/symmetry/), examine each piece for lines of symmetry and explore creating symmetrical drawings of shapes using a line of symmetry between each.
Lesson Process:
Step 1: Provide each student with a piece of sketch paper and ask them to create a drawing that uses positive/ negative space and also is symmetrical. Provide items as examples, such as a feather, a fish, or a flag.
Step 2: Give each student a piece of cardstock, paint brushes, water, various colors of tempra paint and palletes/ paper plates for mixing.
Step 3: Using long brush strokes paint the entire piece of cardboard a dark color. Then, add a bit of white and mix in from the middle up towards the top to create a bit of tint (lightness) and add depth to the image.
Step 4: Once dry, give each student a white colored pencil. Students transfer their original sketch onto the painted paper using the white colored pencil. This creates a “carved” or “printed” effect. Students must ensure that their image is symmetrical using rulers and that there is use of positive/negative space.
Step 5: Finally, add a paint glaze over the entire image. This seals the artwork. When dry, the image will “glow” when held up to the light or when placed on the outside of a glass jar with a candle inside.
