What (Tessellate!)

What is the Tessellate! Activity?

A Survey of Mathematics Related Topics: Pg. 443, "Polygons in Patterns"

This activity allows the user to generate a polygon that will repeat without overlapping across a plane. Starting from a rectangle, triangle or hexagon, the user bends the lines of the polygon, creating a new polygon. The user can choose several different colors to enhance the pattern, and can observe the different effects that colors have on tessellations.

Starting from a simple polygon such as a triangle,

then selecting colors for the shapes,

the result is a plane covered with repetitions of the shape with no overlapping or gaps in between the shapes.

Or starting from hexagon

and bending the lines to form an irregular polygon

then selecting colors for the shapes,

renders this image:

Tessellations occur naturally in the world, and are frequently used in designs for works of art and architecture. They can assist students in conceptualizing infinity, learning about the different types of symmetry, and making observations about how colors and shapes affect perception.