# The Surajkund Fair

## Overview

In this chapter, students explore mathematical concepts through the engaging setting of the Surajkund Fair. They learn about **symmetry, mirror images, patterns, directions, map reading**, and **tessellations** by observing fair activities, stalls, and games. The chapter integrates cultural elements like rangolis and masks with core mathematical ideas in a fun, experiential way.

## Key Topics Covered

### 1. **Symmetry with Malas (Beads Garland)**

- Children create malas using 8 beads—4 of each colour.
- They identify **symmetrical** (same on both sides) and **non-symmetrical** malas.
- They experiment with combinations like 6 beads of one colour and 2 of another to check for symmetry.

**Objective**: Understand line symmetry through hands-on activity.

---

### 2. **Rangoli Patterns and Kolam**

- Students observe rangolis from different cultures.
- Activities include:

- Folding paper to test symmetry.
- Drawing lines to split rangolis into two equal parts.
- Completing symmetrical rangoli patterns.

**Objective**: Recognise and create symmetrical patterns.

---

### 3. **Mask Making**

- Soni makes a symmetrical cat mask by folding paper.
- Avi’s mask is not symmetrical—he can only see from one eye.
- The activity highlights the concept of **mirror symmetry**.

**Objective**: Understand symmetry through real-world objects.

---

### 4. **Mirror Image Fun (Tit for Tat)**

- A painter tricks Soni by drawing only half her portrait.
- Soni uses a mirror to visualize the full picture and cleverly pays only half the fee.

**Objective**: Use mirrors to understand complete versus partial images.

---

### 5. **Mirror Game**

- Children play a game placing counters on one side of a line and creating **mirror images** on the other.
- Includes shape filling and spotting the odd one out.

**Objective**: Understand reflection symmetry and spatial reasoning.

---

### 6. **Tiling the Paths**

- Students explore **tessellations** using rangometry shapes.
- They design and trace their own repeating tile patterns.
- They ensure tiles fit without gaps or overlaps.

**Objective**: Understand tiling and repeated patterns.

---

### 7. **Direction and Map Reading**

- Students follow directions like “take 2 steps to your right” or “walk on the blue lane.”
- They help Soni and Avi find their grandparents using a **fairground map**.
- Clues help locate stalls, exits, restaurants, etc.

**Objective**: Develop spatial orientation and map-reading skills.

---

### 8. **Exit Maze**

- Children trace paths through a maze to exit the fair.
- They describe what they saw along the way.

**Objective**: Boost logical thinking and sequencing.


## New Terms

| Term | Definition |
| ------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Symmetry | When two sides of a shape or object are the same when folded or mirrored. |
| Mirror Image | A reflection of an object that appears reversed from left to right. |
| Rangoli/Kolam | Decorative patterns made on the ground using colored powders. |
| Tessellation | A pattern made by repeating shapes with no gaps or overlaps. |
| Maze | A complex network of paths to find a way out. |
| Direction | Instructions like left, right, forward, and backward to guide movement. |
| Map | A drawing that shows locations and directions. |

---

## Practice Questions

### **Easy (3 Questions)**

1. **Tick the symmetrical malas.**
Malas with equal halves on both sides are **symmetrical**.

2. **Draw a line of symmetry on a butterfly.**
The line goes vertically down the middle.

3. **Colour 4 boxes red and 4 boxes blue to make a symmetrical pattern.**

---

### **Medium (2 Questions)**

4. **Complete the given rangoli pattern using symmetry.**
Trace or draw the other half so that both sides are the same.

5. **Place 5 counters on one side of a mirror line. Draw their mirror image on the other side.**

---

### **Difficult (3 Questions)**

6. **Design your own tile using two rangometry shapes.**
Trace it to form a repeated tiling pattern without gaps.

7. **Read a fair map and find how to go from the pond to the ATM.**
Use directional clues like left, right, forward.

8. **A painter draws only half a tree. Use a mirror to see the complete image. Then draw it.**

---

### **Very Difficult (2 Questions)**

9. **Create a maze that leads from entrance to exit of the fair. Add 3 stalls along the way.**

10. **Make a symmetrical mask of your own. Fold paper, draw on one side, cut and decorate.**

---