Create a tessellation pattern

In this engaging maths activity, students will embark on a journey of discovery and creativity as they explore the mesmerising art of tessellation.

This activity is designed for KS3 students and involves formulating a rule that can be used to create tessellation patterns. It will help students develop an understanding of the tessellation that will be required to design interlocking units.

This lesson plan could be taught in maths or as part of graphics within design and technology.

This activity promises an exciting blend of hands-on exploration, critical thinking, and geometry, fostering a deeper appreciation for the captivating world of tessellations.

What is tessellation?
Tessellation is a geometric concept in mathematics and art that involves covering a surface with repeated, non-overlapping shapes. These shapes, called tiles or polygons, fit together seamlessly, creating a pattern extending infinitely across a surface. Tessellations can be found in various forms in nature, art, and architecture.

The most famous example of a tessellating shape is the regular hexagon, which can fit together perfectly to cover a plane without leaving any gaps or overlaps. Other common tessellating shapes include squares, triangles, and other regular polygons.

The engineering context
The ‘Engineering Process’ scheme of work gives students an in-depth understanding of some engineering materials and how they are being developed in industry. This scheme was inspired by the casting process used to make the D3O smart material into a ‘usable’ form; this links to industrial practices such as quality control, standardisation, and casting manufacture. It is designed to challenge the students by requiring them to apply their knowledge and understanding of engineering materials through a ‘batch’ production experience.

Download the free activity sheet!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable so that you can tailor them to your students and your schools’ needs.

The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, helpful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

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