Middle School

What We Face in Math

by Diana French

October 14, 2004

Recently, Mrs. French's math classes further studied symmetry by doing a bilateral facial symmetry project in the computer lab. Pictures were taken of each student. Each student then used their own picture to test their facial symmetry by duplicating each half of their face and pasting two right sides together and two left sides together.

Most students found their faces are not as symmetrical as they believed them to be, while others found they have near perfect facial symmetry. A variety of effects resulted in the project. Some students appeared to be photographed at three distinct stages in life (grade school, middle school, high school) with the "middle school" being the original photo they used for the project.

Some students' appearances changed dramatically depending on which side of the face was used to create a "new" face. Most students felt they were happiest with their "original" selves, and given the choice would choose to look as they do normally.

Regarding the project, Bryce Ylander (below) suggested, "Make sure you comb your hair before getting your picture taken! Otherwise, you might end up looking like a devil!!"

Other students, like Brandon Yuill, simply said, "It was a lot of fun! It was the best assignment we've had so far this year!"

As well as learning about symmetry, the students were able to gain some experience working with different types of documents and computer tools in creating their symmetry project. Mrs. French's math classes meet in the computer lab two times each month where they do a variety of mathematics-based activities or games.