Radial Symmetric Marker Prints (4th)

Last week my fourth graders did radial carving. To start the project, we looked at PowerPoint, which covers three main types of symmetry; Linear or bilateral symmetry, radial symmetry and asymmetry. Earlier this year my fourth graders were making bars, so they were pretty familiar with radial symmetry and construction.
After the PowerPoint, I gave each of my students half a piece of gridded paper with about 2"x2" square blocks (same size as the stamp). I explained that the students would create a seal that would produce a radially symmetrical pattern if they rotated around its exit and sealed four times. In order for the seal to rotate, it was important that lines starting on one side end at the same position on the adjacent side. So, for example, if I draw a line that starts with the first letter on the Y axis, it has to end with the first letter on the X axis.” Students should come up with several different design ideas and then choose the ones that stand out from among them have drawn. After deciding on a final design, students use a dull pencil to transfer their drawings onto a 2" x 2" piece of polystyrene. The handle must be blunt to avoid breaking the foam.

For the first half of the project, students used this stamp to create radial prints with thorns and black ink . After the release, they moved on to the second half of the project - Marker Print!
The students cleaned their stamps as best they could, then used washable markers and colored them. Then they wiped the papers with a damp sponge. It is important that the paper is damp enough to wet the marking ink, but not wet. If the paper is too damp, it will begin to peel and tear, and the marking ink will become wet and dirty-looking. After wiping the paper with a sponge, the students carefully applied the seal to their paper and then gently rubbed the back of the seal to transfer the image. After the pattern is punched, the seal is re-inked, rotated 90 degrees, rubbed onto the paper with a sponge, and then re-sealed. After 4 turns, a radially symmetrical design was obtained!
Although most of my students were able to do this, some still struggled. I've put together a list of helpful tips.
1. Have the students wipe the paper with a sponge to avoid getting it wet.
2. Do not wipe the same place more than once, otherwise the paper tray will start.
3. Make sure the markers used are not dry.
4. As students drop their stamps on the floor to impress, make sure they rub the entire design (gently but firmly) with their fingers. You must use part of the fingerprint, not the tip or nails. It takes me about 10 seconds to fully depress the back of the stamp.

I love the results and the kids loved the colorful additions to the lesson!