Geometry and Spatial Relations: Tessellations WOW!

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In this math lesson, learners explore tessellations through literature, music, writing, and art activities. First, learners take a walk to identify and photograph real-life examples of tessellations in nature and in their community. Using the photographs, learners write a class big book, "Tessellation Walk," and sing amusing tessellation songs. Learners then work in small groups to investigate a variety of engaging and motivating activities at centers, in which learners make tessellations using sponges, paint, crackers, and computer software.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 8
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Camera
  • Tessellation and Tessellation WOW! song sheets
  • 3-4 pairs of scissors
  • Cardboard or poster board (4 in x 6 in pieces)
  • White unlined paper
  • 4 boxes of crayons
  • 4 black markers
  • TesselMania! computer program
  • Computers
  • Boxes of a variety of snack crackers of various shapes
  • Bowls of crackers
  • Unlined paper
  • Activity Sheet: Which Crackers Will Tessellate?
  • Tempera paints (several colors)
  • Sponges (in shapes that will tessellate)
  • Large sheets of bulletin board paper
  • Compressed sponge paper shapes
  • Bucket of water
  • 4 permanent makers
  • Lined paper

Keywords

Subjects

  • Mathematics
    • Geometry
      • Plane Geometry

Informal Categories

  • Arts and Crafts
  • Food and Cooking
  • Literature
  • Music
  • Nature and Environment
  • Outdoor Activity

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • use keyboard
  • use mouse
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Links STEM to other topics of interest such as arts and humanities
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, PBS, 2012

Funding Source:

  • US Department of Education