Tessellations

Tessellations

This project is a lesson in making your own tessellations using very few supplies. I suggest doing this project after defining and viewing examples of tessellations. You can discuss parallels between art and other disciplines by pointing out the significance of tessellations in both art and math. 

Materials

• 1 index card
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Tape
• 1 piece of construction paper

Step 1: Draw a line from the upper right side of the card to the bottom. It does not need to be any certain shape or any specific distance from the edge of the card. 

Step 2: Cut along the line.

Step 3: Attach the cut off piece to the left side of the card using a piece of tape.

Step 4: Draw a line along the bottom of the card. It will overlap your newly attached piece, so be sure that the bottom left corner is attached to the card. If your tape is only in the middle, as mine was, be sure to add a second piece in the corner.

Step 5: Cut along the line.

Step 6: Attach this piece to the top of the card using tape. 

Step 7: Trace your new shape anywhere on the construction paper. 

Step 8: Continue holding the shape with the same orientation as you line it up beside the previously traced shapes and trace it again. 

Step 9: Once you have filled your plane and there are no holes or overlapping areas, you have a tessellation! Use markers, colored pencils, or crayons to add color! If you still have a hard time believing this will work every time, you can try it again cutting your lines differently!