Webquest on Tessellations

The connections between art and math are strong and frequent, yet sometimes we are not aware of them. This geometry Web Quest is integrated with history and art to enlighten everyone about tessellations and M.C. Escher’s work.

Students will learn and answer questions about the history of Tessellations, the types of tessellations, names of main contributors of study of tessellations in mathematics. And at the end students will have an opportunity to apply their artistic creativity by creating their own tessellations.

History of Tessellations

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions related to History of Tessellations. Record all your answers in your learning log.

1. Who was the first contributor to the studies of tessellation in mathematics and what year this happened?
2. Name two prominent contributors to the study of tessellations in mathematics?
3. Name three of the cultures where tessellations have been found?
4. Where the meaning of the word “Tessellation” does comes from? And what means Tessella?
5. Give two examples of tessellations that can be found in nature.

Tessellations History: http://jwilson.coe.uga.edu/emt668/EMAT6680.2003.fall/Thomas/Tessellation%20project/History.htm

Tour of Tessellations:

http://edtech2.boisestate.edu/meganhoopesmyers/502/virtualtour/history.html

M.C. Escher

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to M.C. Escher. Record all your answers in your learning log.

1. What is M.C. Escher’s nationality?
2. What is the name of the place in Spain where Escher first drew sketches of tessellations?
3. What is the title of the Escher-style tessellation you like most? Why is this drawing your favorite?

M.C Escher - Gallery: http://www.mcescher.com/

 National Gallery of Art:  https://www.nga.gov/.../ggescher/ggescher-main1....

Tessellations

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to Tessellations. Record all your answers in your learning log and include drawing to clarity your answers.

1. What is a regular tessellation? Draw an example.
2. What is a semi-regular tessellation? Draw an example.
3. What is a demi-regular tessellation? Draw and example.

Math is Fun: https://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/tessellation.html

Creating Your Own Tessellation

Use the Internet information linked below to create your own tessellation using “math is fun” program.

Math is Fun: http://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/tessellation-artist.html

Now you all know more about the broad and complex world of tessellations. How can you use what you have learned to go beyond and create a high quality model of a tessellation?