Symmetrical Paper Bugs

In this lesson students explore symmetry and balance in art by creating symmetrical paper bugs. Students will begin by drawing half of a bug shape on the sides of a small piece of paper. They will then cut around these shapes and paste down the cut paper and line up their half bug shapes on another piece of paper to create the look of a full insect.

Lesson 1

Students use visual thinking strategies to analyse art works with a strong sense of symmetry and balance (EG: Cimabue, Santa Trinita Madonna, 1280-90. Frida Kahlo, Self-Portrait, 1940. MC Esher’s works).

Discuss the meaning of symmetry and balance within art. Create an example and draw half the bug on the edge of an A5 sheet of paper, cut it out and then place the positive piece of paper next to the negative piece. Students create their own example to develop understanding of the process. Once complete students draw several different bug designs in halves to use on their final piece.

Lesson 2

Students draw their bug designs on an A5 piece of paper with one bug drawn on each side of the paper. Students will then cut out these bug shapes using a single cut as not to damage the shape of the positive or negative space. To finish the work students will paste their negative space piece of paper in the middle of a larger sheet. They will then match their positive space cut outs against this piece of paper to make it look like the two pieces create a full bug shape.

Reflection:

Analyse your own artwork and one of your classmates, is it symmetrical or asymmetrical? Is there a sense of balance and why/ why not?

Extension:

This lesson can be adjusted for a variety of year levels. Younger students can use simple shapes and older students can create more complex detail and use a cutting knife. The project can also be extended with more cuts made to the positive space side of the insect and laid down on the negative space side.

Resource Download