Math: Tessellations
These sites explain how to create tessellations with polygons using rotation and reflection. Also includes information about artist M.C. Escher and examples of his tessellation artwork. There are several interactive games for manipulating patterns online. Includes a link to eThemes resources on pattern blocks and tangrams, shapes, and symmetry.
Grades
- 3,
- 4,
- 5,
- 6
Links
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A Maths Dictionary for Kids 2013
This site includes over 600 mathematical terms and over 200 printable charts. Click on the "Enter Dictionary Here" link for the dictionary. NOTE: This site requires that a Flash Player be installed on your computer.
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What are Tessellations?
This site offers a good explanation of tessellations and the mathematics involved. NOTE: The site includes pop-up and banner ads.
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ThinkQuest: Tessellation
Find out history of tessellation and learn how to create tessellation. Scroll down the page and click on the "Project Page" link for tessellation project with two shapes.
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Tile Samples
Here are several examples of tessellation.
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Math Forum: What Is Tessellation?
Learn rules of tessellation. Includes lesson plans for teachers and challenges for students. Click on the "Tessellation Tutorials" link for tips on how to use different software to practice tessellation, free downloads, students' tessellation works, and more. NOTE: The site has a link to a forum.
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Tessellate!
This interactive site lets you draw a shape, choose three colors, then click "Tessellate" to see the pattern formed. Click on the "What," "How," and "Why" buttons at the top for more information. A fun activity to introduce the concept to students.
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Tessellation Patterns
Here is a printable worksheet for exploring patterns of tessellation.
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Tantalizing Tessellations!
This site offers 10 lesson plans for activities involving tessellations. Scroll down to read the ideas.
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M.C. Escher: The Official Web Site
Learn more about the life and art of M.C. Escher, who often used tessellations in his work. Click on "Biography" to read about his life. "Gallery" includes images of his artwork. NOTE: The site has a link to a guestbook.
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Escher Patterns
Here are more tessellations inspired by art of M.C. Escher.
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Cyber Puzzling
Find the right way to fit one-shaped objects together.
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eThemes Resource: Math: Geometry: Shapes
This is a collection of sites about geometric shapes and polygons. Includes definitions plus examples of them in everyday life. Learn about prisms and polygons. There are interactive sites with games and manipulatives and animated movies on polygons and triangles.
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eThemes Resource: Math: Geometry: Symmetry
These sites offer many examples of how symmetry works in a variety of shapes. Find out the difference between reflection and rotational symmetry. Includes interactive sites that let you draw symmetrical shapes and manipulate them. There is a link to an eThemes Resource on tessellations.
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eThemes Resource: Math: Geometry: Pattern Blocks and Tangrams
This is a collection of sites about pattern blocks and tangrams. There are several interactive sites that allow you to manipulate blocks and tangrams online. Also includes hands-on classroom activities that focus on polygons, area, angles, fractions, and patterns. There is a link to an eThemes Resource on geometric shapes.
Education Standards
- AL
- MO
- IL
