IMAX Tessellations

Objective: Exploration of perimeter and area

Introduction: A tessellation is a repeating pattern of figures that completely covers a plane without gaps or overlaps. A set of figures that can be used to create a tessellation is said to tessellate. You can find tessellations in art, nature, and everyday life.

Project: The CEO of Six Flags over Loretto was so impressed with your design work for the flags and sidewalks that she has another design project for you. You and your team have been tasked to create a tessellation which will be used at the IMAX Theater. While the park guests are waiting for the next IMAX movie, they will be entertained by a series of tessellation designs.

Guidelines: * You may work individually or in teams of two.

* The design is to be drawn, or glued, on poster board. It must be at least as large as half of a standard sized poster board, but it must be no larger than a full sheet of poster board.

* Draw a 1 inch border on your poster. Create a tessellation as directed in class. Measure the perimeter of your tessellating figure with yarn then calculate the area. Trace your figure such that it will tessellate on the plane inside your border. Detail and color your figures.

* The following information must be included with your poster:

* the perimeter and area of your tessellating figure.

* the original tessellating figure stapled to the upper right hand corner

* a 3 x 5 card with your name stapled to the upper left hand corner

* Your grade for this project will be based on the following criteria:

* accuracy of shapes

* neatness

* creativity and color

* complexity

* following all directions

* M. C. Escher is famous for his paintings and sketches of tessellations. For extra credit on this project, write a report detailing one of Escher=s works. Your report should be typed and include a description of the painting and the tessellating figure. Also include why this work appeals to you. There is a wealth of information on tessellations and Escher on the Internet. One particularity good site is http://www.worldofescher.com. (Gallery).

@Geometry/Project Tessellations