Now, we are going to have a little fun. We are going to make pinwheels, and then we are going to identify if there are any rotational or reflectional symmetries associated with this project. Watch the following video to learn how to make a pinwheel. Then, make one of your own. After completing your pinwheel, answer the questions below the video.
As you watch this video, use the study guide to follow along if you'd like. Click the button below to download the study guide.
In this video, I'll provide an overview of how you can create your own pinwheel using the template provided in this lesson. This activity is a nice break from the rigorous math you've been completing so far in this class.
The first thing you will need to do in order to build your own pinwheel is to first cut out a square. I'm using a square that's been drawn on a piece of graph paper, but you can use any paper with designs and colors you like. The diagonals of the square bisect each other at the exact center. This will be helpful in a few moments. From each vertex, cut along the diagonals about two-thirds of the way to the center. Then you should start to curl these edges towards the center. These curls will create the rotational symmetry that allows the pinwheel to spin. Carefully place a thumb tack through the tip of these four curled edges and through the center of the circle. Finally, stick the thumb tack into an eraser of a pencil, but don't pinch the pinwheel too tight. You want to leave a little room for it to spin freely in the breeze.
Now give your pinwheel a try!
Now click Activity to download the template to make your own pinwheel. When you have finished, answer the questions below
Question
Does your pinwheel have rotational symmetry? If yes, what is the angle of rotation? If no, why not?
Question 2
Does your pinwheel have reflectional symmetry? If so, how many lines of reflection are there? If no, why not?
