Tessellations

Create a shape to tessellate Open a paint document in ClarisWorks or AppleWorks. Use the rectangle tool to draw a square (holding down Shift key to make a perfect square). Use the fill tool to add colour to the shape. Use the lasso to select a portion from the left side of the square. Hold down the Shift key and slide the selected section to the right hand side of the square. Holding down shift ensures the selected piece moves in a straight line horizontally, if moved left or right., or vertically if moved up or down. Use the lasso tool to select a portion from the top side of the square. Hold down the Shift key and slide the selected section down to the bottom of the square. Use the lasso to select the new shape, To create a second shape either Hold down the Option key and drag the shape to the right.to create a second shape. or select Copy from the edit menu (or COMMAND C) then Paste (COMMAND V) Use the fill tool to change the colour of the second shape. Create a tessellation When the shapes have been created it is wise to save the document as "My Shapes" so they can be retrieved if someone makes a mistake. (and someone will!!) Select one of the shapes and slide the shapes together so the touch. Use the Magic Wand tool to select the first shape (blue). Hold down the Option key and slide a new copy to the right of the second shape (yellow). Continue using the magic wand to select and Option / slide to copy, until a row of shapes has been completed. Repeat step 3 to add rows to complete the tessellation or Use the lasso to select the first row and paste it in the correct position for the second row. Continue using paste to complete the pattern. This lesson is an adaptation of the lessons written by Suzanne Alejandre for The Math Forum. For more information visit her web site at http://forum.swarthmore.edu/sum95/suzanne/tess.intro.html There are instructions for creating tessellations using HyperStudio and LogoWriter as well as tessellations using reflections and rotations. Worth a visit.