Art: Kindergarten Symmetry Beetles STEAM

Insects are one of my favorite subjects for elementary art, and symmetry beetles are part of my spring kindergarten curriculum. This project is fun, colorful, and a surreptitious way to integrate the following math and science vocabulary/concepts:

• Science: insect, beetle, six legs, head, thorax, abdomen, antenna
• Math: symmetry, closed shapes such as: circles, triangles, diamonds, hearts, rectangles, etc.

I adapted this project by combining the technique of this Laugh Paint Create post with the design elements of this  Pinterest pin.

Materials:

• 12 x 18 white construction paper, folded lengthwise.
• Black oil pastels
• Paint – I use tempera, instead of watercolors, for this project as I want students’ designs be symmetrical in color as well as shape. Tempera is an easier medium for kindergartners to control.
• Crayons (optional) for background
• “Texture plates” (See below – optional) for background – I purchased Darice embossing folders (on sale!) which I cut in half, down the fold. Each folder made two plates–a positive and negative.

Process (The project took my kindergarten classes about three 30 minute art periods):

1. Define, discuss, and give visual examples of “symmetry” and insect body parts.
2. Draw the top abdomen line, “about two hands down” and starting on the fold.
3. Make a dot on the fold “about one hand up” from the bottom.
4. Connect the end of the abdomen line with the bottom dot. The line may be straight or curved, but leave room for the legs!

5. Add thorax, head, eyes, antennae, and legs. Give students choices for these elements…including their own imaginations!

6. Define “closed” shape. Brainstorm closed shapes to include in the abdomen: circle, heart, diamond, free-form, etc.
7. Demonstrate what happens when “open” shapes are placed on the fold.
8. Design the abdomen and thorax areas with shapes of choice.

9. Fold pastel drawing to the inside.
10. Rub. I give students small pieces (about 3″ x 5″) of cardboard for this.

11. Open and trace over the light pastel lines.
12. Paint.
13. Demonstrate how to use texture plates.
14. Color backgrounds using crayons and texture plates. Students love the texture plates and often ask me to get them down during “choice” or “early finisher” times.