M. C. Escher & M. C. Escher & Tessellation CreationsTessellation Creations

Grade 5Grade 5

What is a What is a TessellationTessellation??

Definition: a repeating shape that Definition: a repeating shape that covers a surface without overlapping covers a surface without overlapping or leaving gapsor leaving gaps

The word “tessellation” comes from The word “tessellation” comes from the Latin word “tessera” which the Latin word “tessera” which means “small stone cube”means “small stone cube”

The earliest tessellations were found The earliest tessellations were found as mosaic pictures on floors in old as mosaic pictures on floors in old Roman buildingsRoman buildings

Modern-day TessellationsModern-day Tessellations

Soccer ballsSoccer balls

Bathroom floorsBathroom floors

Wallpaper designsWallpaper designs

M. C. EscherM. C. Escher Most famous creator Most famous creator

of tessellationsof tessellations Born in Holland in Born in Holland in

1898 (died in 1972)1898 (died in 1972) Originally studied Originally studied

architecture before architecture before becoming interested in becoming interested in woodcuts and woodcuts and printmakingprintmaking

Did 137 tessellations Did 137 tessellations in his lifetimein his lifetime

M. C. Escher, M. C. Escher, CycleCycle

BulldogBulldog

(Tessellation 97)(Tessellation 97)

LizardLizard

(Tessellation 104)(Tessellation 104)

How to make a tessellationHow to make a tessellation

11 22 33 44

PegasusPegasus

(Tessellation 105)(Tessellation 105)