Build a Snowflake: Symmetry Math Activity and Free Printable

Snowflakes come in amazing shapes and patterns and because they are created by frozen water molucules, all snowflakes are symmetrical–so cool right!?! After we first learned about symmetry with pattern blocks I knew we would need to reinvent the idea once winter came along for an easy hands-on-math activity with a science twist.  I am sure you will agree, this math activity certainly looks like art–which is perfect so kids can enjoy it as they learn!

As I mentioned earlier, we have already discussed symmetry. You may want to check out the video and free computer game included in our first symmetry post before starting this activity. My kid’s really enjoyed them.

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Build a Snowflake Symmetry Circle Math Activity

Supplies:
Glass Gems-affiliate link (I also purchased large gems)

Loose parts like q-tips, buttons, tangrams

Free printable circle template (available to download for free at the end of this post)

Directions: 

You may want to let kids create freely before starting the symmetry portion of this activity. I included a blank circle with the templates. The glass gems and circles provide a natural invitation that children will want to explore. Once they are done, they will listen much better to the lesson.

Either you or the child should build a pattern in one section of a circle.

Have child duplicate the pattern into each remaining section of the circle.

We started out with the circle with two sections. There is a lot of free space so patterns can get a little complicated and harder to duplicate.

Next we moved onto the circle with eight sections. Little Tiger liked this circle pattern more, as well as found it easier to repeat the pattern in each section.

Little Dragon enjoyed repeating patterns in the circle according to size. Since he was 2 when we did this activity I did not worry about him matching colors, I was just glad he was participating.

As children feel more comfortable let them get creative and make their own patterns and snowflakes.

DOWNLOAD THE PRINTABLE HERE:

ADD TO THE FUN: Winter Activities