Lesson Plans

Symmetrical Leaf Mask with Wax Works ®

3rd and 4th Grade

Objective:

• Introduce students to the concept of symmetry.

Materials Needed:

• One Large Leaf
• One Package of Wax Works®
• Pencil
• 9” x 12” White Construction Paper
• Scissors

Introduction:

1. Show students examples of human face renderings by DaVinci, Paul Klee and Picasso.
2. Discuss man’s fascination with portraiture and emotion. Early rendering of the human face changed through time from primitive cave paintings, to highly detailed anatomically correct studies of the renaissance. Show students the emotional face studies of DaVinci and later, Picasso and Klee’s move-ment toward cubism.

Procedure:

1. Student may trace leaf, or draw half a mask on a folded sheet of paper.
2. Cut along the lines and unfold to create a paper mask.
3. Trace the mask on a second sheet of paper.
4. Using Single strips of Wax Works, follow the outline of the mask. Use the colored wax to fill in the various shapes.
5. Make sure the wax is pressed firmly so it will stick to itself.
6. Student may leave blank spaces as long as they are symmetrical.
7. Create a base by using strips of wax pressed into each other. Leave a space in the middle where the bottom of the mask will rest.
8. Press wax on both sides into the “feet” of the mask to give your project stability.

Guided Independent Practice:

• Ask students to draw three symmetrical shapes. Some can be geometric, some can be faces.
• Ask them to identify the “mood” of the mask.

Conclusion:

• Invite students to share their completed leaf masks and explain their color choices.
• Ask them to identify the “mood” of the mask.
• Ask students to give examples of symmetry in the classroom.
• Invite students to give examples of symmetry in nature.
• Create a fall display on a bulletin board titled “Nature’s Symmetry”.

Download PDF

Lesson plan created by Peggy Goldman, M.E.
South Park Elementary and
Caruso Jr. High, District 109, Deerfield, IL