Rotational Symmetry and Mandala Design in 3rd Grade Art

The third grade artists have begun exploring imagery that has rotational symmetry. They first discovered this type of symmetry by creating 'magic flower' designs. They used a square piece of paper and divided it into eight even sections and then created pattern and shape drawings that repeated in each section. Starting in the middle, the third graders were full of wonder as their stunning designs filled the paper, noticing that their drawings looked like kaleidoscopes, stained glass windows and even tie dye.

Magic Flower Drawings

The third graders then became 'symmetry detectives' and worked in pairs to find lines of symmetry in pictures of artwork from around the world. We compared and contrasted the images, noting that rotational symmetry is seen in many different artworks from around the world. The third graders then worked with their partners to create a drawing to use to make their own mandalas. They used rulers and a new tool, a compass, to draw their designs.

We then watched a video clip of Buddhist monks creating a sand mandala. The third graders were fascinated to learn that monks work for days to carefully create sand designs and then when they are done they sweep up the sand and place it in a nearby body of water. They also noticed that the monks used the same tools, rulers and compasses, that they had used to create their designs.

Buddhist Monk Creating a Sand Mandala

Our third grade artists are now deciding what materials they would like to use to create their mandalas. Our ideas so far include sand, tiles, clay, flower petals, paint, twigs and even candy. Soon our groups will be hard at work using the material of their choice!