Visually appealing, symmetry can be found everywhere we look. Art, nature and architecture are prime examples of this. The following books introduce readers to symmetry and its many facets (mirror symmetry, rotational and translational symmetry, for example) in a range of ways. From spotting symmetry in nature to learning about Emmy Noether to exploring kaleidoscope symmetry to discovering symmetry through colouring, all of these titles have something to offer. Highly addictive, the more readers learn the more examples of symmetry they will see in the world around them.
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Looking For Symmetry
by Gabriella Slevin
Review: This short National Geographic Windows on Learning book provides a simple, clear introduction to symmetry. Bold pictures of the natural world are accompanied by easy-to-understand text. Each picture features a drawn on line of symmetry making it easy for young readers to develop their understanding of this concept. Keywords and questions are written in bold, yellow text. Having begun by explaining and demonstrating what symmetry looks like, readers are asked to identify whether or not the lines drawn on the ensuing photos are lines of symmetry. Simple but effective.
Look below to see a read-aloud of the book:
Suggested Reading Age: 3 to 5 years old.
Beautiful Symmetry: The Story of Emmy Noether
by Jessica Christianson (Author), Brittany Goris (Illustrator)
Review: Stunningly illustrated, this eye-catching book tells the story of Emmy Noether, a brilliant mathematician celebrated by her peers. Noether became renowned for her work in abstract algebra and her theorems linking symmetry with conservation laws in physics. Beautiful Symmetry tells her story in a captivating manner, from gaining her doctorate against the odds to her move to America amidst the rise of Nazi Germany. Concisely written, Jessica Christianson makes her points in a clear direct manner. The text is interwoven with bold, graphical art which matches the tone of the writing. A feast for the eyes, readers will enjoy looking for the symmetry in the art deco patterns that adorn the pages. This book provides a perfect introduction to Emmy Noether and will leave readers wanting to find out more about her and her work.
Watch below to get a flavour of the book.
Suggested Reading Age: 7 to 10 years old.
Origami Kaleidoscope Paper Pack Book
by Tuttle Publishing
Review: Make maths lessons fun with this alternative look at symmetry. Children (and adults) will enjoy spotting the symmetry in these stunning kaleidoscope patterns. This book comprises 16 different patterns printed on origami paper; in all, there are 256 sheets. Once readers have identified all of the lines of symmetry in the patterns, challenge them to make some symmetrical origami designs.
Watch below to see how to create a folded radial symmetry design.
Suggested Reading Age: 8 and above.
Beautiful Symmetry
by Alex Berke (Author), Alex Bellos (Foreword)
Review: Issued by the MIT Press, this book takes learning about symmetry to another level. Readers discover and learn the principles behind increasingly complex symmetrical patterns as they colour its pages. Divided into two parts, Beautiful Symmetry explores shapes and symmetries as well as infinitely repeating patterns. Concepts such as rotational symmetry are explained with the help of clear diagrammatic examples. The ensuing colouring patterns enable the reader to put this learning into practice. An engaging and effortless way to get to grips with more advanced symmetry.
Click here to look inside the book.
You can see a colouring workshop using the book with the author below:
Suggested Reading Age: Teenagers and above. Some of the simpler symmetry would be accessible to readers around 10 years of age.
The Symmetries of Things
by John H. Conway (Author), Heidi Burgiel (Author), Chaim Goodman-Strauss (Author)
Review: This comprehensive book provides a fascinating, deep dive into symmetry. Divided into three parts, readers will explore Symmetries of Finite Objects and Plane Repeating Patterns (Part 1), Colour Symmetry, Group Theory and Tilings (Part 2) and Repeating Patterns in Other Spaces (Part 3). Each concept explored is accompanied by a multitude of visual examples helping readers to develop their understanding. A great reference tool and learning aid, this book would make a great addition to libraries and for advanced students learning about or revising the topic.
Suggested Reading Age: Older teenagers and beyond. In my opinion, many of the illustrations and photographs would be of interest for younger mathematicians, too.
Happy Reading!
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Please put the titles of any great symmetry books YOU know below.