
Symmetry Space
Objective
Students will use positive and negative space in their art to show symmetry.
Standards
4.G.A.3
Recognize a line of symmetry for a two-dimensional figure as a line across the figure such that the figure can be folded along the line into matching parts. Identify line-symmetric figures and draw lines of symmetry.
Engagement

- Study some examples of artwork that uses positive and negative space. M.C. Escher’s tesselations and the Rubin Vase are great examples. Encourage students to think of things they’ve seen in their everyday life that uses positive and negative space, like the yin/yang symbol, or logos.
- Explain the concept of notan to students. Notan is a Japanese word meaning “dark-light”, and it is used to describe the balance between positive and negative space in a design. The yin/yang symbol is a great example of balancing positive and negative space, and symmetry.
- Review line symmetry, rotational symmetry, and reflective symmetry with students.
Activity
Step 01
Show students a finished project and describe the spots where the artist included symmetry. In this example, each smaller red section has a line of symmetry running through it’s center, and the positive and negative shapes create a line of symmetry horizontally through the center of the black paper.
Step 02
Step 04
Step 05
Assessment
Check that student artwork uses positive and negative space to convey symmetry.
Extension

Have students use markers to add symmetrical details to the positive spaces with symmetrical lines and shapes.