Week 4 — Duplicate, Patterns & Basic Mirror

Focus Concept: Repetition and simple symmetry in 3D designs
Mini-Project: Symmetric Creature or Rocket

Connections to STEAM Learning

  • Computing: Using duplicate and mirror as “manual loops” for repeated parts.
  • Design & Technology: Planning and building up designs from repeatable modules.
  • Maths: Lines of symmetry and repeated patterns.
  • Art & Design: Balance, rhythm and repeated decorative elements.
  • Engineering: Keeping a design balanced so it would stand or move straight.

This week participants use duplicate and mirror to build a symmetric creature or rocket, thinking about balance and repeated details.

Objectives

  • Use duplicate to copy shapes quickly.
  • Use mirror to create simple bilateral symmetry.
  • Apply repetition and symmetry to a creature or rocket design.

Success Criteria

  • I can duplicate shapes instead of rebuilding them from scratch.
  • I can mirror parts so the left and right sides match.
  • My design looks balanced and roughly symmetric.

Key Vocabulary

  • Duplicate — make an exact copy of a selected shape.
  • Mirror — flip a shape across a chosen axis.
  • Axis — an imaginary line the mirror tool uses to flip shapes.
  • Symmetry — when both sides of a shape match.

Part A — Explore Duplicate & Mirror

  • Demonstrate duplicating a single block into a row or stack.
  • Show how mirroring an arm, fin or eye can create a symmetric pair.
  • Let participants practise mirroring simple pairs of shapes across a centre line.

Part B — Make: Symmetric Creature or Rocket

  • Start with a central body (creature torso or rocket fuselage).
  • Add one side feature (arm, fin, eye, booster), then duplicate and mirror it.
  • Encourage learners to keep checking the design from all angles.

Part C — Extend & Share

  • Add repeated decorative elements (windows, spots, stripes) using duplicate.
  • Ask participants to show where the line of symmetry is on their model.

Resources

Equipment

  • Laptops / Chromebooks with internet
  • Mouse per device

Safety & Setup Notes

  • For any prints, avoid very thin, spiky parts that could break or be unsafe.
  • Remind learners to save regularly and keep filenames meaningful.