Tessellation Math Fun: Using Math and Creativity to Make Art!

Completed by 1 learner

Ages 9-12

Live One-Time Class

Learn how math and art can be connected and create your own tessellation.

Brenda A (B.A. Mathematics)

Average rating:

5.0

Number of reviews:

(47 reviews)

Live video meetings

Meets once

2-6 learners per class

60 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

1 live meeting

1 in-class hours

Homework

Depending on the intricacy of each student's tessellation, some students may have to finish their tessellation outside of the allotted class time.

Class Experience

US Grade 4 - 6

Learn how math can be used to create art. While art and math may not be typically thought to be related, math can definitely be used to create beautiful works of art.  One way math and art can be connected is when using tessellations to create works of art. 

Students will learn what a tessellation is. Students will also learn about geometric concepts such as translations, rotations, etc. 

Class will be structured so that for the first 1-2 minutes students will introduce themselves. 
Then next 3-5 minutes will be used to discuss with students what connections (if any) they have observed between art and math. 
The following 8 minutes will be used by the teacher to explain with the visual of a PowerPoint what tessellations are and give examples of artwork that was created using tessellations. For the next 10-15 minutes the teacher will discuss what rigid motions are and give instructions on how students will create their own tessellations. Students will have the next 15-25 minutes to create their own tessellations. (This is typically independent work but if students want to share thoughts and ideas as they begin their work they can.) As students are working, I will guide students as needed. We will reconvene as a group and have students that would like to share their creations share their work and their thoughts. The class will end by recapping and if possible, students will share what mathematical concepts they used to create their piece of art.

Since the mathematical concepts discussed in this class are geometry-based, this can be a great opportunity for students that are not too fond of numbers, to explore and be creative in a math class. 

I believe that math can be fun for all students.  I believe that true learning happens when the learner is actively participating and engaged. Mistakes are encouraged in all of my classes. I believe we learn more from mistakes because we become critical thinkers as we try to understand the process so that we understand why we made our mistakes. I try to allow many opportunities for students to participate. In a class like this, where students can be very creative, I believe math can be used to create beautiful creations.

Learning Goals

Students will learn what rigid motions (rotations, translations, etc. ) are. 
Students will learn what tessellations are. 
Students will create their own tessellation.

Other Details

Supply List

In order for students to create a tessellation, they will need a square made from an index card or cardstock if possible, scissors, tape, and colors/crayons/marker if the student would like to color their tessellation.

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Brenda A (B.A. Mathematics)

Joined June, 2020

5.0

47reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from Fresno Pacific University

Hello! My name is Brenda. As a math teacher, I love math and enjoy helping students get a better understanding of different math topics. As a math student myself, I always wanted to know the WHY and not just the how. My favorite math topic has always been algebra.

I have a B.A. in mathematics. I also have a single-subject credential (math) from the State of California. I am a former high school math teacher. As a high school teacher, I worked with many students with different levels of understanding. I have taught Math 1 and Math 2 under the Common Core standards. I worked in the public school system for two years until I had my first child. I have been on Outschool since 2020. I am also currently working on my Masters of Math Education.  

I believe that learning should be fun, engaging, and interactive. I believe that students will remember content if they have memorable experiences. When students feel comfortable and have enjoyable experiences, they can learn anything. More importantly, I believe that each student is different and learns at their own pace. Each student has unique and individual needs. I believe that everyone can learn anything with the right support and guidance.

For fun, I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, and making crafts. I also love to sing and play the violin. I am also bilingual as Spanish was my native language.