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Shape Transformation Activities

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Shape Transformation Activities

A transformation moves or changes the position of a shape. Use the descriptions in the questions and your own drawings to explore slides, flips and turns. Remember: a slide, flip or turn keeps a shape the same size and shape. Word bank: reflection, translation, rotation, enlargement, dilation.

Spot the transformation

Use the transformation descriptions in Questions 1–4 to answer each question.

1.In the first example, the triangle keeps the same direction and moves 3 grid squares to the right. What is this transformation called?

A slide (translation)
A flip (reflection)
A turn (rotation)

2.In the second example, the triangle appears on the other side of a vertical dashed line like a mirror image. What is this transformation called?

A slide (translation)
A flip (reflection)
A turn (rotation)

3.In the third example, the triangle turns a quarter turn clockwise around a point. What is this transformation called?

A slide (translation)
A flip (reflection)
A turn (rotation)

4.Ari says, “A slide changes the size of a shape.” Is Ari right? Explain what happens to the shape’s size when it is slid.

Describe and draw

Use the transformation words precisely. Then try them out in the drawing space.

5.Complete the sentence using the word bank: reflection, translation, rotation. A is a flip over a line.

6.Complete the sentence using the word bank: reflection, translation, rotation. A is a slide to a new position.

7.Complete the sentence using the word bank: reflection, translation, rotation. A is a turn around a point.

8.In the drawing space, draw a rectangle, then draw the same rectangle after a quarter turn clockwise. Add an arrow to show the turn.

9.A square tile is slid 4 spaces left, then flipped over a horizontal mirror line. Name the two transformations in the order they happen.

10.Imagine a triangle is turned half a turn around a point. How many degrees has it turned, and do a half turn clockwise and a half turn anticlockwise end in the same position?

11.A pattern-maker slides the same triangle 2 squares right each time. Write where the triangle will be after three slides, measured from where it started.

12.Create a simple repeating pattern using a triangle or square. Draw at least three copies and use at least two different transformations. Label the transformations you used.

13.A reflection makes a mirror image. Name one everyday place you might see a reflection, and say what line could act as the mirror line.