Teach Math Using Tessellation Art

Tessellations are an exciting way to challenge the brain while exploring both geometry and art within your homeschool.

According to exploratorium.edu, a tessellation is “any pattern made of repeating shapes that covers a surface completely without overlapping or leaving any gaps.”

A few real life examples include tiling or the pattern found on a checkerboard. If you have a tile floor, shower, or countertop anywhere in your home, take some time to look at it and talk about the patterns you see.

Tessellations are also a common topic of study in art. Artists like M.C. Escher created fascinating images using interlocking shapes, several of which resemble animals found in the world around us.

To create your own unique tessellation, follow the instructions below!

Additional Vocabulary
Dilation – A transformation that changes the size of a shape.

Reflection – A transformation that creates a mirror image of a shape by flipping it over a given line.

Rotation – A transformation in which a figure turns around a stationary center point.

Transformation – A general term for the specific ways a point, line, or shape can be manipulated, which include translations, reflections, rotations, and dilations.

Ready for More?
If creating the translation tessellation was too simple, try creating another using reflections or rotations.

Sources:
Exploratorium
The M.C. Escher Company
Tessellations.org