Interested in learning about geometric shapes and designs? Then this experiment is perfect for you!
Learn about tessellations and create them here!
Materials:
Paper, pencil, cardstock, Post-it note, scissors, tape, colored pencils/paint
Time Estimated:
30 minutes
Directions:
Put the Post-it note on top of a piece of cardstock to help you cut out a perfect square. Cut around the Post-it note.
Take the square of cardstock and cut whatever shape you want out of one side.
Tape that cut out shape to the opposite side so the straight edges line up.
Starting in one corner of a blank piece of paper, trace the new shape you created.
Notice how the shape fits together and repeat the process until you fill the whole piece of paper. This is a tessellation!
Color in your artwork however you like!
Think Like A Scientist:
Why does the shape you made fit together?
2. Will this work for any shape? Why or why not?
3. Can you think of any examples of shapes that will not create tessellations?
How It Works:
In this experiment, you learned about tessellations! A tessellation is made of one or more shapes that cover a given surface with no overlaps or gaps (think of floor tiles). There are different categories of tessellations depending on the type of shapes used or the type of pattern. Tessellations appear in math, art, and nature. For example, the honeycomb that bees make is a series of hexagons, which is a type of tessellation.
Looking for more fun at home STEM activities for your young scientist? Check out our workbook full of exciting science experiments and empowering activities!
