This middle school geometry drawing activity helps students understand how mirror symmetry and rotation symmetry are found in snowflakes. Help students see how math can help them understand natural phenomenon like snowflakes.

This can be a whole-class activity or an individual assignment, depending on your needs. This product includes a 9-page printable pdf packet that includes descriptions of how snowflakes form and why there are different types of snowflakes. Students will need a protractor and ruler along with the printout.

This product helps students draw sectored plate snowflakes. These are snowflakes with a basic hexagon shape that is divided into 6 sections and decorated in a symmetric pattern. Suggestions for symmetric patterns included in the student handout.

Activity includes:

• Background reading about how snowflakes form and why snowflakes are hexagonal
• Description of mirror symmetry with examples
• Description of rotation symmetry with examples
• Step-by-Step instructions for students to construct a regular hexagon using a protractor and ruler
• Page of instructions on ways to decorate snowflakes in natural patterns
• Examples of real snowflakes and their decorations

This product is a more detailed version of my freebie, Drawing and Understanding Hexagon Shapes in Snowflakes. The freebie guides students in understanding why snowflakes are hexagons. Students can complete both activities to understand how and why some snowflakes are different from each other.