Rotation Symmetry (Symmetry Part 2)

Rotation Symmetry (Symmetry Part 2) is a Grade 4 geometry investigation that connects regular polygons to angles of rotation. Students physically rotate cut-out triangles, squares, pentagons, and hexagons, then discover that dividing 360 degrees by the number of vertices gives the smallest rotation angle that returns the figure to the same appearance.

Use it as a whole-class exploration when students are learning rotational symmetry conceptually. Letting students manipulate the shapes before introducing the formula makes the relationship between vertices and rotation angle easier to see. Create a free Find a Math Game account to generate teacher-ready lesson support for Rotation Symmetry (Symmetry Part 2). No credit card, with 3 lifetime lesson generations.