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Create Shape Patterns

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Create Shape Patterns

Explore repeating shape patterns and the transformations that can change a shape’s position or orientation. Show your thinking where asked.

Recognising Pattern Rules

1.A pattern repeats this group: hexagon, star, oval. Which rule describes it?

Repeat the same group of three shapes in the same order.
Use a different shape each time.
Repeat only the hexagon and oval.
Turn every shape once.

2.A shape keeps the same size and form but faces a new direction after being turned around a point. Which transformation has happened?

Reflection (flip)
Translation (slide)
Rotation (turn)
Enlargement

3.Choose all the actions that can create a reflection symmetry when shapes are placed on either side of a line.

Reflecting a shape across the line
Making one side’s shapes a different size
Placing matching shapes as mirror images
Moving every shape to the same side of the line

Describing and Completing Patterns

4.A row goes: triangle, circle, square, triangle, circle, square, ____. What shape belongs in the blank?

5.Complete the sentence: In a pattern with reflection symmetry, the shapes on one side of the mirror line are images of the shapes on the other side.

6.Explain what makes a shape pattern repeating. Include what happens after the pattern unit has been made.

Design Your Own Shape Patterns

7.Draw a repeating pattern using at least three different shapes. Include a flip, a slide or a turn, and show enough repeats for the rule to be clear.

8.Write a clear rule for the pattern you drew. Name the repeating group and describe any transformation you used.

9.Does your pattern have reflection symmetry? Explain how you can tell from your drawing.

10.Create a second repeating pattern that uses a flip, a slide and a turn. Draw the pattern, then write a rule that explains how it repeats and where each transformation appears.

Make a repeating pattern using three or more geometric shapes. You could draw it, arrange paper cut-outs or use building blocks. Write a rule that tells how the pattern repeats and identify any flips, slides or turns you used.