Materials
Outline drawing of a butterfly Attribute blocks
Color tiles Cut-out shapes
Pictures of butterflies, showing both wings
Instructions
1. Look at a picture of a butterfly. Build observation skills by asking the children if they notice anything about the left and right wings on the butterfly.
2. Guide the children to see that the colors, spots, stripes, etc. on one wing of the butterfly are identical to those on the other wing. One wing is a mirror image of the other. This is an example of symmetry but it is not necessarily important to introduce the word to the children.
3. Show the children the outline drawing of a butterfly. Place a large red triangle on the upper right wing.
4. Build the concept of symmetry by asking children a series of questions to clarify their thinking. Would there be a large green triangle on the upper left wing? Should a small red triangle be placed on the upper left wing? Does a large red triangle have to go on the bottom left wing? What shape should be placed on the upper left wing?5. The children will agree that the large red triangle belongs on the upper left wing so that both wings will look alike. Try the procedure again, using a different shape or combination of small shapes in one section of the wing. Let individual children place shapes on the opposite side to match. You can vary the complexity of the patterns you use in one wing for the children to reproduce in the other wing to suit the needs of particular children. For some, it may be appropriate to place two or three small identical shapes in one part of the wing and ask them to reproduce the number of shapes in the other wing. Others may be able to handle more complicated patterns.More to doArt: Provide each child with an outline drawing of a butterfly. At the art table, children can color, paint, or glue objects onto the wings so that the wings are mirror images of each other. * Children may also enjoy painting one side of the butterfly's wings in an intricate pattern, and then folding the butterfly in half and pressing to transfer the pattern to the other wing. When they are dry, hang the butterflies with string, or affix them to a bulletin board decorated with flowers.Field trip: If possible, visit a zoo with a butterfly garden to see butterflies up close.More science: Notice the patterns on their wings, but remind the children not to catch them. Let the children explore the symmetry in their own faces. They can identify features that are on each side of their faces: eyes, ears, etc.
