Tessellation Transformation

As part of our math concept integration in art class, 4th graders explored tessellations. We looked at Tessellation Exploration by Tom Snyder and they looked at a few samples by M.C. Escher. They learned about adjacent sides, slide translations, and transformation. After creating a slide translation template, students were to sketch a few ideas in their sketchbooks that would transform the slide into something imaginative. After tracing their template to cover a piece of paper, they were to add all the details and color in a checkerboard pattern. Coloring was to include one of the neon colors and students were to use good craftsmanship in their work. (See Animoto below)

Tessellation Exploration

Using an old demo copy of Tom Snyder's Tessellation Exploration, fourth graders work on slide tessellations. They learned how to use the Window 7's snipping tool to capture their screens and then save them to my 4th grade folder. Many technical skills were involved but in addition, a collaborative environment evolved where the students helped each other using the various software and tools. Here are the screens that were saved. (See video below)