Tessellation

TessellationTessellation

TessellationTessellation

• If many copies of a shape can be If many copies of a shape can be used to cover a surface, without used to cover a surface, without leaving any gaps between them, leaving any gaps between them, then we say that the shape will then we say that the shape will tessellatetessellate..

• The pattern that is formed is called a The pattern that is formed is called a tessellation.tessellation.

Tessellations all around usTessellations all around us

Look for tessellations in walls, patios and pavements.Look for tessellations in walls, patios and pavements.


Common shapes can be arranged in unusual ways

Sometimes an unusual shape will tessellate


Sometimes 2 or more different shapes will tessellate.

Tessellation with PentominoesTessellation with Pentominoes

• If you don’t know what a pentomino If you don’t know what a pentomino is, then is, then click here.click here.

• If you have done the pentominoes If you have done the pentominoes activity before, then you will know activity before, then you will know what a pentomino is and how many what a pentomino is and how many different pentominoes there are.different pentominoes there are.

• Here they are ...Here they are ...


Which Pentominoes will tessellate?Which Pentominoes will tessellate?

Here is one example to get you started….Here is one example to get you started….


Tessellation with 7-Pin PolygonsTessellation with 7-Pin Polygons

• If you don’t know what a 7-pin If you don’t know what a 7-pin polygon is, then polygon is, then click here.click here.

• If you have done the 7-pin polygons If you have done the 7-pin polygons activity before, then you will know activity before, then you will know what a 7-pin polygon is and how what a 7-pin polygon is and how many different ones there are.many different ones there are.

• Here they are ...Here they are ...


Which 7-pin polygons will tessellate?Which 7-pin polygons will tessellate?

Here is one example to get you started….Here is one example to get you started….


Tessellations by M.C. EscherTessellations by M.C. Escher

Make Your Own Escher Make Your Own Escher Tessellations 1Tessellations 1

Step 1: Start with a simple shape that will tessellate e.g. a rectangle.

Step 2: Remove a shape or shapes from one side of the rectangle and fix them to the opposite side.


Use this as a template to create your tessellation.


You could start with a hexagon and cut semi-circles from three of the sides and fix them to the opposite sides like this.



Start with a square and cut segments from two sides and fix them to the opposite sides like this.


Enjoy making Enjoy making your own your own

tessellations!tessellations!

PentominoesPentominoesA pentomino is made out of five squares A pentomino is made out of five squares that are connected along at least one edge.that are connected along at least one edge.

These are NOT pentominoes.

Here is an example of a pentomino.

How many different pentominoes can you find?

Click here to return to the Tessellations.

7-Pin Polygons7-Pin PolygonsHere is an arrangement of 7 pins.Here is an arrangement of 7 pins.

Here are some examples of 7-pin polygons.

How many different 7-pin polygons can you find?

Click here to return to the Tessellations.

A 7-pin polygon is a closed shape with A 7-pin polygon is a closed shape with straight sides with corners on the pins.straight sides with corners on the pins.

Enjoy making Enjoy making your own your own tessellations!tessellations!

Technology

Tessellation