Patterns of geometric designs are all around us.  We see them everywhere: in fabric, in flooring, in wallpaper.  Such patterns are interesting and appealing to the eye.

Tessellations are a special class of geometric patterning.  The word tessellation comes from the Latin word tessella, which was the small, square stone or tile used in the ancient Roman mosaics.  Tiling and mosaic are synonyms for tessellation.

A plane tessellation is a pattern made up of one or more shapes. completely covering a surface without any gaps or overlaps.

To learn how to make tessellations,  click here.

A Dutch artist by the name of E.C. Escher used tessellations in creating many famous works.   To learn more about Escher and see his work:

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Click here to view other students' creations.

Enter your creation in a tessellation contest.