Tessellations, an Introductory Class: Art, Math & the Magic of Pattern

How did pattern-master M.C. Escher create his artwork? How did Islamic artists create infinite, complex patterns that seem to continue on forever? It's not as impossible as it looks! Tessellations, the interlocking, repeated patterns, are behind the magic.

Tessellations elicit wonder in their complexity. In this introductory class, we'll demystify how they work by reviewing some ways in which we can simply create tessellating pattern pieces that create repeating patterns that perfectly interlock. After discussing some examples of art made using tessellations and looking at different types of tessellations, students will create two tessellation pattern pieces - based on translation (slide) - and start to create and decorate their own amazing sheets of tessellations. Although they won't likely finish either pattern page in class, students will hopefully continue to explore tessellations long after the class ends. (The example photo from the class listing is an example of a translation tessellation made by an 11yo in one of my classes!) 

For those who wish to continue exploring additional concepts, I'm offering a "Deeper Dive" multi-session class following this one, during which we'll cover how to create variations on translation as well as different types of tessellations (https://outschool.com/classes/sDeQWHXE?utm_source=transactional&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=organizer-activity-published#usvmadas0y)

Please note: this is more art than math! Although I'll be mentioning some math terms as we go, and tessellations can't work without geometry, this is an art-making class more than anything else. 

MATERIALS REQUIRED: students will create template blocks out of square pieces of cardstock (or similar) for their tessellations, and must come to class with those prepared. They'll use these to trace onto a sheet of paper to create the full pattern. Please see below in the supples section for a materials list, so your student comes to class ready to go! 

TWO OUTSCHOOL RULES OF NOTE:
-Although siblings are welcome to share computers, all learners attending the class need to be enrolled.

-I must verify your learner *visually* when class starts. Please ensure your webcam is functioning so that I can verify your student's participation. (Although I greatly prefer students keep their cameras on so I can see how they're doing, they may shut cameras off during work time so long as I have at least verified them.)