The first examples of such tessellations can be traced back to the Sumerians in around 4000 BCE, when they used clay tiles to adorn their homes and temples. The word’s etymology suggests that the very first tilings were made from square shapes, which makes sense given that squares are the easiest shape to tile with! This Latin word comes from the Greek word “tessera,” meaning four, as in how squares have four sides. So, what are tessellations? Well, you can think of it like perfect patterns! So today we’re going to talk about a sort of generalization of tiling: tessellations! Maybe along the way we’ll solve the puzzle of who exactly Harry is and why his tiles are so famous. And, what do you know, tiles are actually really interesting! So, I decided to just look into tiles, and hoped I’d find some famous Harry associated with it. Then, I googled it–as one does when one is at a loss– but all I found was a blatantly fake tiling company. I re-read all seven of the Harry Potter books, and didn’t see anything about tiles. Naturally, I wanted to figure out what all the hype was about. “I think I’m in love with Harry’s Tiles…” Wow, they must be really beautiful! “I’m such a big fan of Harry’s Tiles music!” So like, clinks? I don’t get the appeal. “Wow, did you see that Vogue featured Harry’s Tiles?” I thought Vogue was about fashion, not interior design? I keep hearing about Harry’s Tiles everywhere I go, and I can’t for the life of me figure out what people are talking about?! Let me give you some examples: There's actually a lesson at Byrdseed.TV that's specifically about this article.Before we get started, I need some help. Give them some Escher exemplars and let your most clever artists go wild: If they see multiple designs, they can create a pattern or otherwise make their tessellation project more complex. Kids can fill in the face or the wings or the fur or whatever details they’d like. Often, the shape looks like an animal or a person. Once the page is filled with outlines of that tessellating shape, students will begin to decorate. I like to angle the paper so the piece moves diagonally across the page. Students will now trace that jigsaw piece over and over, fitting it into itself. The shape will now tessellate up and down as well as left to right.Now, students cut out a bit from the top and tape it to the bottom of the index card.The card will now fit into itself (or tessellate) left to right.They tape that bit onto the right side.Students cut out a bit from the left side of the index card.You only need:įirst, students create what is basically a jigsaw puzzle piece by making two cuts and taping them onto opposite sides.

What’s so great about this math/art project is its simplicity. A shape repeats itself over-and-over across the canvas. What’s a tessellation? It’s a combination of math and art, probably made most famous by MC Escher. Williams, her tessellation projects are a standout. While I have many fond memories of my 4th and 5th grade teacher Mrs.

Tessellation examples