When a shape, pattern or image has two halves that match exactly when folded, it can be described as symmetrical.

If you were to fold a shape at its line of symmetry, both halves would match exactly.

Two shapes that are exactly the same can be described as identical.

Explore symmetry by joining two identical shapes

Maths

In this unit pupils will pupils will complete and compose symmetrical shapes from two congruent shapes and investigate lines of symmetry in 2D shapes. In the future unit pupils will explain what area is and measure using counting as a strategy. They will make different shapes with the same area and compare the area of different shapes. 

In the prior unit pupils investigated ways to compose and decompose polygons. They investigated quadrilaterals with and without parallel and perpendicular sides. In this unit pupils will complete and compose symmetrical shapes from two congruent shapes and investigate lines of symmetry in 2D shapes.

Properties of 2D and 3D shapes and symmetry

When patterns and shapes are symmetrical, both sides are __________.

True or false. These triangles are identical.

These shapes have been made using two identical triangles. Which shape does not have a line of symmetry?

Izzy created shapes using trapeziums. Which shape does not have a line of symmetry?

True or false. This shape has more than one line of symmetry.

This shape is made from 2 parallelograms. How many lines of symmetry does it have?

When one half of a pattern is a reflection of the other half, the pattern is __________.

True or false. This pattern is symmetrical.

How many vertices does a quadrilateral have?

Which of these shapes are quadrilaterals?

Which of these statements are true for all quadrilaterals?

A four-sided shape with four right angles.

A four-sided shape with four right angles and four equal sides.

Match the description to the type of shape. 

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Explore symmetry by joining two identical shapes

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.