Grade Level(s): 10-12

Subjects:): Math, Art

Learner outcomes: Using PC-Paint in Windows 95, the student will create an Escher type tessellation.

Time Frame:

Depending on the student's ability level with PC-Paint, this lesson will take two to three 50-minute periods.

Technology tools: Computer, PC-Paint

Teacher Notes:

This lesson uses the square as the basic shape for the tessellation.  Although other polygons can be used as the basis of the tessellation, many of these require rotations that are more difficult. PC-Paint does not support rotations other than 90^o, 180^o, and 270^o.  The equilateral triangle will require rotations of a multiple of 60^o.  The regular hexagon is difficult to draw accurately in PC-Paint.

The students work through the instruction sheet to complete an Escher type tessellation.
Click here for an instruction sheet in Microsoft Word format (Zipped).

If a student is unable to use the computer to create the tessellation, cutouts, or graph paper can be used as a guide or to create a pattern. While this method words rather well, it can time consuming.

• Refer to the tessellations saved in Lesson 1.
• What polygon(s) were used as the basis of each tessellation?
• Load the tessellations into PC-Paint and use the draw tools to draw the shape of the basic polygon(s) used in creating the tessellation.
• Create a tessellation using a basic shape other than the square. Use graph paper to help make the drawing.  Cut out the drawing to move it around to create the tessellation.
• Examine several MC Escher tessellations.  Write a report discussing the basic shape(s) and the modifications used to create the tessellation.
• Create a tessellation using Java Kali.

English Language Arts: 10.24
Geometry:  G.8, G.14, G.19, G.23
Instructional Practices: IP.6, IP.7, IP.12,  IP.20
Process/Workplace Objectives: PW.2, PW.38

References:

Totally Tessellated
World Of Escher
M.C. Escher
Suzanne Alejandre at Math Forum has created lessons using other software.

Created by:

Rusty Campbell
David Underwood
                           Carol White

North Marion High School
Rt. 1, Box 100
Farmington, WV  26571
 

Date modified:

Attachments:

HTML version of the instruction sheet
Microsoft Word version of the instruction sheet (Zipped)