Max Maths, Year 4, Learn together, Review of symmetry (2)

In a Year 4 Max Maths lesson, students explore the concept of symmetry through the example of an equilateral triangle. Padma observes that her equilateral triangle has a line of symmetry running from the vertex at the top straight down to the base, dividing the shape into two identical halves. The lesson further reveals that an equilateral triangle possesses three such lines of symmetry in total, each one bisecting the shape into two mirror-image halves. This property is unique to equilateral triangles due to all three sides and angles being exactly the same.

Moving on from equilateral triangles, the students are then encouraged to draw an isosceles triangle in their notebooks. An isosceles triangle, having two sides of equal length, typically has one line of symmetry. This line runs from the apex, where the two equal sides meet, down to the midpoint of the base, the unequal side. The lesson is interactive, with Toby and Jade discovering additional lines of symmetry by physically manipulating the paper, turning it to find other symmetrical perspectives. The exercise not only reinforces the students' understanding of symmetry in different types of triangles but also invites them to engage in hands-on learning to consolidate the concept.