Drawing Tessellations

The opportunity to combine Art and Mathematics came about while looking at Two dimensional shapes. This aspect of mathematics lends itself to some creative exploration, through repeating shapes in many different ways to create patterns. 

Two dimensional shapes can be reflected, rotated or translated so that a pattern is formed.

We created a grid consisting of 7cm squares. This took some time as we needed to be accurate so that the pattern would be effective. We then created a 7cm square grid. Shapes were drawn on two of the sides and then cut out. They were joined back to the grid. This formed our tesselating shapes. 

The shapes were then traced around on the grid. The shape was translated or moved forward to the next square and then traced around again. This was repeated until all of the grid was filled.

The students then used coloured markers or pencils to colour their tesselations in. The activity took a little longer than expected but the results have been worth it. 

The students have been able to see how a square can be turned into a tesselating shape. They also had the opportunity to know how to translate a shape in a hands on way. 

What do you know about tesselating shapes? Do you know of an artist that uses tessellations in their artwork?