Students will create some fabulous tessellations. 
The word tessellate is a verb which means to create a pattern with small interlocking squares, often mosaic tiles on a floor. However tessellations are often used in other art forms. There is even a link between tessellations and some math that 
we will be looking at soon. M.C. Escher was a famous and very talented artist who was fascinated by tessellations. You can watch a little video about him here. I know your tessellations will be as creative and beautiful as the examples on this page…or even more so! It’s not difficult to make a tessellation, but you do need to be precise. Imagination is key.
Follow these steps to make a basic tessellation:
- Use one of the square pieces of cardboard that I give you (three inches by three inches).
- Draw a wiggly pattern from almost one corner to almost the other corner on the same edge of the square. Don’t get too complicated or it will be difficult to cut.
- Cut out the shape carefully in one piece because you still need it.
- Carefully slide the cut out piece across the square to the opposite side without flipping it over or twisting it in any direction. It’s a translation, not a reflection or a rotation.
- Tape the cut piece on to it’s new location. Make sure that it is lined up directly across from where you took it.
- Trace the shape on a big piece of paper multiple times. It can be on an angle on the page, it doesn’t have to be straight.
- The tiles should fit together as perfectly as possible.
- Turn the paper around and look at it until you see something interesting in the shape.
- Sketch some detail into each shape, making them the same, or differing them in a repeated pattern.
- Add more detail with pencil crayon and shading. Do not use markers.
You can create a more challenging tessellation by changing two sides of the square. Have a look at this video if you’d like more of a challenge. Or, have a look at this website for a step by step explanation with pictures.
Remember, always do your best work!
Due: Friday September 27, 2024