Transformations and Frieze Patterns

This unit will introduce students to the world of symmetry and rotation in figures and patterns. Students learn to recognize and classify symmetry in decorative figures and frieze patterns, and will also get the chance to create and classify their own figures and patterns using JavaSketchpad applets.

Math Content

In this unit, students will:

1. Determine the symmetries of various designs
2. Utilize tools to generate designs with various symmetries and patterns
3. Apply their understanding of reflections to categorize Frieze patterns

Prerequisite Knowledge

Students should have basic knowledge of the fundamental transformations:

1. Translation
2. Reflection (horizontal and vertical)
3. Rotation

Individual Lessons

Lesson 1 - Recognizing Transformations

This lesson introduces students to the world of symmetry and rotation in figures and patterns. Students learn how to recognize and classify symmetry in decorative figures and frieze patterns, and get the chance to create and classify their own figures and patterns using JavaSketchpad applets.

Lesson 2 - Classifying Transformations

Students will identify and classify reflections and symmetries in figures and patterns. They will also create frieze patterns from each of the seven classes using the supplemental activity sheets.