Lesson Overview
Students will learn the history of tessellations as a two-dimensional art form from Islamic influences in Spain and Portugal and learn how the artist M.C.Escher used tessellations to create a three-dimensional effect. Students will create their own tessellated artwork.
Lesson Essential Questions
ACTIVITY ONE
Students will view examples of historic tile design from the Resource Page, that inspired the young artist M.C. Escher. Ask students if they have seen tiled designs where they live or have visited. Have them give examples. Mention how the designs in the photo gallery revolve to "fit" into each other. Explain that this is called tessellating and many patterns on material used for clothing or flooring still use this method to fill a two dimensional space
ACTIVITY TWO
Explain to students that Maurits Cornelis Escher, know as M.C. Escher, was a Dutch artist born in the late 1800's. A sickly child who struggled with school he failed second grade and was a poor student but excelled at drawing and is considered one of the worlds greatest artists.
Here is a link to a super Documentary on his life. 60 Minutes Decide if you want to show this or skip to the next link below to view his tessellation works.
Students will view examples of artist M.C. Escher tessellation art work and answer the following questions in complete sentences to turn in.
Assessment
Based on depth of responses to questions
ACTIVITY THREE
Materials
Tip!! Tell students not to make their designs to complicated or they will have trouble cutting and tracing them.
Easy demonstration for making a tessellation.
Advanced demonstration for making a tessellation.
Assessment
Rubric for Student Self Evaluation
Students will learn the history of tessellations as a two-dimensional art form from Islamic influences in Spain and Portugal and learn how the artist M.C.Escher used tessellations to create a three-dimensional effect. Students will create their own tessellated artwork.
Lesson Essential Questions
- What was the historical purpose of tessellations?
- Which artist inspires us still today to create tessellations?
ACTIVITY ONE
Students will view examples of historic tile design from the Resource Page, that inspired the young artist M.C. Escher. Ask students if they have seen tiled designs where they live or have visited. Have them give examples. Mention how the designs in the photo gallery revolve to "fit" into each other. Explain that this is called tessellating and many patterns on material used for clothing or flooring still use this method to fill a two dimensional space
ACTIVITY TWO
Explain to students that Maurits Cornelis Escher, know as M.C. Escher, was a Dutch artist born in the late 1800's. A sickly child who struggled with school he failed second grade and was a poor student but excelled at drawing and is considered one of the worlds greatest artists.
Here is a link to a super Documentary on his life. 60 Minutes Decide if you want to show this or skip to the next link below to view his tessellation works.
Students will view examples of artist M.C. Escher tessellation art work and answer the following questions in complete sentences to turn in.
- How are Escher's tessellations similar to the tile works viewed earlier?
- How are Escher's tessellations different from the tile works?
- How could someone who failed at school create such brilliant mathematical designs?
Assessment
Based on depth of responses to questions
ACTIVITY THREE
Materials
- 12 x 18 white drawing paper
- 4" squares made of tag board
- pencils
- markers
- colored pencils
- rulers
- erasers!!!
- imaginations
Tip!! Tell students not to make their designs to complicated or they will have trouble cutting and tracing them.
Easy demonstration for making a tessellation.
Advanced demonstration for making a tessellation.
Assessment
Rubric for Student Self Evaluation