Students then work in small groups as they explore tessellations through a variety of engaging and motivating activities organized into classroom centers. Centers include activities that require students to create their own tessellations with paper. Then with compressed sponge paper, students soak the sponges in water and make tessellations on the sidewalk. Sponges and paint provide a medium for students to make large tessellations on chart paper which will later be used for the cover of their newly written big book. Students are also given opportunities to create tessellations on the computer.
Procedure Take the class for a walk around the school grounds and neighboring community if possible.
Have them notice examples of tessellations. Ask the students to explain why it is an example of a tessellation. Photograph examples as the students identify them. As a class, create a big book about tessellations, using the photographs taken on the walk as illustrations. Read the book with the class.