M. C. Escher & Tessellation Creations
Grade 5
What is a Tessellation?
Definition: a repeating shape that covers a surface without overlapping or leaving gaps The word “tessellation” comes from the Latin word “tessera” which means “small stone cube” The earliest tessellations were found as mosaic pictures on floors in old Roman buildings
Modern-day Tessellations
Soccer balls
Bathroom floors
Wallpaper designs
M. C. Escher
Most famous creator of tessellations Born in Holland in 1898 (died in 1972) Originally studied architecture before becoming interested in woodcuts and printmaking Did 137 tessellations in his lifetime
M. C. Escher, Cycle
Bulldog
(Tessellation 97)
Lizard
(Tessellation 104)
How to make a tessellation
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Pegasus
(Tessellation 105)