Eco Warriors Learn Symmetry by Doing Fun Activities

From seeds to flowers, shells to beehives, bird wings to starfish, symmetry is everywhere in nature. Symmetry exists not only in the body and governs shape and form, but right down to the microscopic molecular machines keeping cells alive. An object can be categorised as a symmetrical object if it is invariant or identical under some transformations, such as being rotated, folded, or flipped.

Utilise Natural Symmetry to Awaken Student’s Creativity

Symmetrical patterns in nature often inspire human creation of works of art, crafts, even architecture. In Bali itself natural symmetry can be found at temple buildings, the temples themselves, and other religious sites. In line with the Learning Centre concept which is Learning by Doing, students will gain first-hand experience by investigating the uniqueness of symmetry in greater depth.

Starting in November students commenced a new theme, Natural Symmetry. This theme is cross-curricular in arts, science, mathematics, and social studies studying natural objects that display symmetry. Various learning activities are carried out to help students understand the concept of symmetry. Nature itself helps teach them about symmetry.

Learning Activities at Begawan are Fun

During the first week, students studied the concept of reflectional symmetry and lines of symmetry through leaves. They made a butterfly collage from leaves, drew a half leaf, and made leaf rubbing art. In the second week, they discussed reflective symmetry and rotational symmetry in flowers. To better understand the symmetry, they made flowers from origami paper, cooked marigold flowers tea, and banana flower hearts. While they learned about symmetry, they also learned about floriography in which they discussed the parts of the flower and the meaning of various flowers.

The following week, they began to discuss seashells. Seashells are one of nature’s symmetrical creations. Students cooked clams and created handicrafts from the shells. Students also learned natural symmetry with a field trip to the beach, providing a better understanding by direct observation of the seashells and in the creation of a seashell mandala and a symmetrical sand castle.

The discussion on natural symmetry will continue until late January. There are still many interesting things that Eco Warriors will learn through this theme. They will learn symmetry through dance, batik, barong, alphabets, and many other activities. At the end of the theme, there will be an art exhibition on natural symmetry. Be there to see the Eco Warriors’ creations! (Desy)