Activity: Make a Mandala

Before starting this activity:

Symmetry Artist tool showing an 8-fold rotational pattern  

Read about Rotational Symmetry.

Have a play with Symmetry Artist
(use "Rotation Symmetry")

Mandala

Intricate traditional colored sand mandala  

A Mandala is a geometric design used in Hinduism and Buddhism to help meditation.

It is like a religious pattern of the universe.

And you can make your own!

You will need:

The Activity

Cut out a circle from paper or card. Mark the center.

It helps tp fold your circle in half, then in half again (and even once more!) and unfold it.

The crease lines will divide your circle into 4 or 8 equal slices, making it much easier to keep your symmetry even!

Now make your own wonderful and colorful Mandala:

Start at the center.

Draw patterns using any
symmetry of your choice,
and fill them in.

   Circular paper with a small 8-fold floral pattern drawn in the center
     
Continue adding patterns as you
move further from the center.		   Mandala drawing expanded outward with concentric rings of colorful repeating shapes
     

The finished result!

(Made by Alexis)

   Completed colorful mandala drawing filling the circle with radial symmetry
Rotational Symmetry Activity Index