Tessellation Creations: Explore tessellations by designing and creating unique patterns.
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we use math, science, art, and technology to design and create tessellations that reflect the world around us?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can different shapes fit together without gaps or overlaps?
- What are the mathematical properties of tessellations?
- How are tessellations used in art, architecture, and nature?
- How can I use technology to design and create my own tessellations?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand the definition and properties of tessellations
- Identify tessellations in art, architecture, and nature
- Create original tessellation designs using a variety of shapes
- Use technology to aid in the tessellation design process
- Apply mathematical concepts such as angles and symmetry to tessellations
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Impossible Tessellation Challenge
Students are presented with a set of 'impossible' tessellation puzzles that defy conventional rules. They must work collaboratively to identify the underlying principles that govern tessellations and find creative solutions to complete the puzzles, sparking curiosity about the mathematical constraints and artistic possibilities of tessellations.Tessellation Time Capsules
Students examine real-world tessellations found in historical artifacts, architectural designs, and natural patterns from different cultures and time periods. They then design their own 'tessellation time capsules' that reflect contemporary society and predict how tessellations might evolve in the future, fostering interdisciplinary connections and critical thinking.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Tessellation Detectives
Students explore real-world examples of tessellations in art, architecture, and nature. They document their findings and analyze the patterns they observe.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA visual presentation (e.g., poster, slideshow) showcasing real-world tessellations with detailed analyses.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Identify tessellations in art, architecture, and nature.Digital Tessellation Artists
Students use technology (e.g., drawing software, online tessellation tools) to create more complex and intricate tessellation designs.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityDigital tessellation artwork, showcasing advanced designs and the use of technology in the tessellation process.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goals: Use technology to aid in the tessellation design process and Apply mathematical concepts such as angles and symmetry to tessellations.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioTessellation Creations Portfolio Rubric
Real-World Tessellation Analysis
Evaluates the student's ability to identify, document, and analyze tessellations found in art, architecture, and nature.Identification and Documentation
Accuracy and thoroughness in identifying and documenting real-world tessellations.
Exemplary
4 PointsIdentifies and documents a wide range of tessellations with precise photographic or sketched details. Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of where tessellations occur in various contexts.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies and documents several tessellations with clear photographic or sketched details. Shows a good understanding of tessellation examples.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies and documents a few tessellations with basic photographic or sketched details. Shows an emerging understanding of tessellation examples.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify and document tessellations adequately. Provides minimal or unclear examples.
Pattern Analysis
Depth of analysis in identifying shapes and their arrangements within the tessellation patterns.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides an in-depth analysis of the tessellation patterns, accurately identifying all shapes and their precise arrangements with mathematical justification. Explains the underlying geometric principles comprehensively.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a thorough analysis of the tessellation patterns, accurately identifying most shapes and their arrangements. Explains the geometric principles clearly.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic analysis of the tessellation patterns, identifying some shapes and their arrangements. Shows a limited understanding of the geometric principles.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to analyze the tessellation patterns, providing incomplete or inaccurate identification of shapes and arrangements.
Digital Tessellation Design
Evaluates the student's ability to use technology to create complex and intricate tessellation designs.Use of Digital Tools
Skillful and effective use of digital tools to create tessellations.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates masterful use of digital tools, utilizing advanced features to create sophisticated and visually stunning tessellation designs. Shows creativity and innovation in tool application.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates effective use of digital tools to create complex and intricate tessellation designs. Shows proficiency in tool application.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates basic use of digital tools to create tessellation designs. Shows emerging skills in tool application.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to use digital tools effectively, resulting in simple or incomplete tessellation designs. Requires significant support.
Design Complexity and Aesthetics
Complexity, intricacy, and aesthetic appeal of the digital tessellation artwork.
Exemplary
4 PointsCreates a highly complex and aesthetically pleasing tessellation design that demonstrates a deep understanding of symmetry, transformations, and color theory. Shows exceptional artistic skill and attention to detail.
Proficient
3 PointsCreates a complex and aesthetically pleasing tessellation design that demonstrates a good understanding of symmetry, transformations, and color theory. Shows strong artistic skill.
Developing
2 PointsCreates a basic tessellation design with some attention to symmetry, transformations, and color. Shows developing artistic skill.
Beginning
1 PointsCreates a simple or incomplete tessellation design with limited attention to symmetry, transformations, or color. Shows minimal artistic skill.
Application of Mathematical Concepts
Correct application of mathematical concepts such as angles, symmetry, and transformations in the tessellation design.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a flawless application of mathematical concepts (angles, symmetry, transformations) with clear and precise calculations evident in the design. Explains the mathematical reasoning behind design choices effectively.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates a strong application of mathematical concepts (angles, symmetry, transformations) with accurate calculations. Explains the mathematical basis of the design clearly.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates a basic application of mathematical concepts (angles, symmetry, transformations) with some inaccuracies in calculations. Shows a limited understanding of the mathematical basis.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to apply mathematical concepts (angles, symmetry, transformations) with significant errors in calculations. Shows minimal understanding of the mathematical basis.