Max Maths, Year 6, Learn together, Reflections (1)

In a Year 6 mathematics lesson focused on reflections, students explore the concept of symmetry through practical activities. The lesson begins with Han, a character who has created a pattern of squares and reflected it across a designated mirror line. To verify the accuracy of his reflection, Han employs two methods. Firstly, he places a physical mirror along the line of reflection, allowing students to see the symmetry visually. Secondly, he checks the reflection by counting squares, ensuring that the distance from the original squares to the mirror line matches the distance from the reflected squares to the line. For example, a green square is three squares away from the mirror line both horizontally and vertically, and an orange square maintains a consistent two-square distance in both directions from the line of reflection.

This interactive approach to learning about reflections helps students understand the principles of symmetry in a concrete manner. By engaging with the task of reflecting shapes and using a mirror as a visual aid, they can see the immediate result of their actions. Additionally, the method of counting squares to measure distances reinforces the idea that reflections produce an image with equal spacing on either side of the mirror line. This hands-on activity not only solidifies the students' understanding of reflections but also integrates the use of spatial awareness and precise measurement, which are vital skills in geometry.