Project Details
Developed by: Margaret P. Budde, Lower School Art Teacher, Louisiana
Lesson Plan Ideas
Learning Objectives for Grades: 3-4
Students will:
- Understand the difference between linear symmetry (with one line of symmetry) and radial symmetry (more than one line of symmetry)
- Divide a square into eight equal sections by folding horizontally, vertically and diagonally
- Use a compass to draw a circle
- Create origami-folded kites
- Form a symmetrical radial design with their origami kites
Steps
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Preparation: To prepare for this lesson plan, you will need one 4" square of Tru-Ray® Construction Paper in any color per student, and at least 16, 3" squares of Tru-Ray® Construction Paper in any color per student.
White Multi-Purpose Paper can be cut into 3" squares for practice folds.
To create the circle base: Fold the 4" square in half, vertically, horizontally and diagonally to divide the square into eight sections. (Figures 1-4)
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Use the compass to draw a 4" diameter circle on the square by putting the point of the compass in the center of the square (Figure 5).
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Cut out the circle (Figure 6).
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Punch hole 1/2" from the edge of the circle in one of the eight sections (Figure 7).
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Run the length of yarn through the hole and tie the ends into a knot (Figure 8).
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Put the circle aside until you fold your origami papers.
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To create origami kite folds: Fold the white square in half diagonally, and open the square, placing the fold line towards you on the table (Figures 1-3).
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- Take a corner of the 4" square and bring it to the centerfold line, and crease the fold (Figure 4).
- Repeat with the other unfolded corner (Figure 5).
- You should have a kite.
- You can modify your kite by folding back the center points towards the folded diagonal sides (Figure 6)
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To create your origami radial design: Choose four squares of each of two colors of Tru-Ray® Construction Paper.
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Make kite folds with each of the squares.
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Place the eight kites on the circle base with the points touching in the center in a symmetrical pattern. One kite should fit in each section of the circle.
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Glue the kites in place.
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Choose eight more 3" squares of the same two colors or two different colors. Make kite folds with each of these eight squares.
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Slip these kites inside the other kites in a symmetrical pattern to complete your radial design.
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Modify some or all of your kites with the folds shown in Step 8-Figure 6 shown above.
Student Samples
