Tessellation Extra Credit Project

Tessellation Project Maurits Cornelis Escher (1898 – 1972) was a Dutch artist famous for his repetitive, interlocking pattern. His works look like paintings but were done by woodcarving and lithographs. Escher’s designs are made from variations on tiling patterns called tessellations. A floor covered by square tiles is an example of a tessellation of squares.

Tessellations & Transformations Tessellations can be modified by using transformations. As you know, transformations are movements of geometric figures. One transformation, commonly used to create tessellations is a slide, or translation, of a figure.

Translation Tessellations (Easy) For simple translation tessellations, polygons should have opposite sides that are parallel and congruent – squares, hexagons, parallelograms.

Example: Translation Tessellation You can create more complex designs starting with square tessellations and making changes on both pairs of sides.

Depending how you decide to color your tessellation, a very simple design can have a very creative result.

Glide Reflection Tessellation(Moderate) For glide reflection tessellations, polygons should have opposite sides that are parallel and congruent – squares, hexagons, parallelograms.

Example By reflecting and gliding over more than one side, you can create a more complex tessellation.

Adding coloring and features will enhance the artwork.

Tessellation created by Rotation (Challenging) Adjacent sides must be congruent – squares, equilateral triangles, regular hexagons, rhombi

Midpoint Rotations (Challenging) Triangles, Squares, and Quadrilaterals Note: More than one side may be altered for more challenging designs. Coloring one side of the pattern will help prevent accidental flipping during tracing.

Example: Rotational Tessellation

Suggestions A template that is approximately 2 inches by 2 inches will work well to create an 8 ½ by 11 inch tessellation. Try out several designs, by cutting and taping paper together until you find something you like. When you have decided on a design, create your template on a stiff material – heavy cardstock or a file folder seem to work well for creating a sturdy template that can be traced over and over. Be creative. Your design should not look like any of the designs in the packet or in this presentation. Remember: Finding a design online and copying it is plagiarism.

Tessellation Project This is an extra credit assignment and due the Monday that we return from Fall break. The more creative and difficult the tessellation the more points you will receive. HAVE FUN!!!!!