As part of their Classroom Without Walls (CWOW) activities, Grade 8 students engaged in a creative and mathematical exploration of tessellations. This hands-on project combined geometry and design, encouraging students to experiment with geometric transformations while expressing their artistic creativity.
CWOW allows students to step outside the traditional classroom and engage in experiential learning. By applying their knowledge in a hands-on, flexible environment, students deepened their understanding of mathematical concepts while honing their problem-solving and artistic skills. The activity encouraged critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity, reinforcing the real-world applications of geometry.
The activity connected directly to their Geometry 3-D Shapes unit and the statement of inquiry: Understanding the relationship between measurement and space can help solve global issues and lead to a more sustainable life.
Tessellations are repeating patterns of shapes that fit together without gaps or overlaps. Students began by cutting squares of paper and modifying them by repositioning the cut pieces along different sides to create unique, interlocking designs. The challenge was to form a repeating pattern and incorporate an artistic story into their tessellation.
Reflections from students:
"It was so fun! We spent half our day making tessellations. We cut up squares of paper but had to ensure no part of the shape was lost. The hardest part was turning a random shape into an object, but it all came together once we figured it out. I made an under-the-sea scene with dolphins and fish."
- Aahi S.
"But they weren’t just shapes; they had to tell a story. I designed tessellations of candles at different stages of melting. The most challenging part was getting the idea and making the key shape."
- Adele B.
"I created tessellations of differently coloured rabbits. The best part was laying the key shape on the paper, tracing it, and rotating it to match all the other sides. Seeing the final pattern come together was satisfying."
- Cassia H.
