Reflecting on Counters
Purpose
This is a Level 3 Geometry activity from the Figure It Out Series.
A PDF of the student activity is included.
Achievement Objectives
GM3-6: Describe the transformations (reflection, rotation, translation, or enlargement) that have mapped one object onto another.
Student Activity
Click on the image to enlarge it. Click again to close. Download PDF (83 KB)
Specific Learning Outcomes
- Describe the results of reflection.
Required Resource Materials
- A set of pattern blocks
- FIO, Level 3, Geometry, Reflecting on Counters, page 22
Activity
In this activity, students are developing the concept of symmetrical reflection using mirrors. If you place a mirror across half a shape, the full shape is reflected in the mirror.
This activity allows students to experiment with this concept in a fun problem-solving way.
Answers to Activity
These answers assume that you have the reflective side of the mirror facing you. The mirror must be one without a frame.
- a. Position the mirror halfway over 1 counter as shown below:
b. To see 3 counters, position the mirror as shown below:
c. To see 12 counters, position the mirror as shown below:
- All numbers up to 18 are possible if your grid allows you enough room to position the mirror across rows as shown above. Some of the more difficult numbers include:
- 14, for example,
Attachments
ReflectingOnCounters.pdf82.79 KB