Tessellations With Crackers- Free Lesson

Tessellations are patterns where there is no overlapping or gaps.
Any square, triangular, or hexagonal cracker can be used to create tessellations.

The students will create tessellation patterns using crackers.

A few different varieties of crackers in different shapes square, rectangular, triangular, and hexagonal crackers will work (circular, oval, and butterfly crackers will not create tessellations).

1) The following are optional if you chose to do the art activity:
2) Washable paint
3) Glue
4) Construction Paper or Card stock

1. Give small groups of students a couple bowls of different types of crackers. Have students make predictions of which crackers they will be able to create tessellations with.

2. Allow students to create tessellations experimenting with the different types of crackers. Remind students that there should be no gaps or overlapping.

3. Once students have decided what crackers works for tessellations have them show you their tessellation patterns laid out.

4. Students can then glue on their crackers to paper and paint some of the crackers to complete their pattern. As every piece of art needs a name, have students name their art work.

Show students examples of tessellations: honeycombs, mosaics, brick walkways, tiled floors, etc. M.C. Escher was an artist who used tessellations in many of his works. A colorful photo gallery of his symmetry drawings is available for viewing on www.mcescher.com. Have students create a work of art by using M.C. Escher’s work using tessellations with crackers.

Allow students to share their tessellations with each other.  Discuss the benefits of wheat found in crackers.