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Exploring Escher-Like Tessellations

Activity Description Activity Guide


Part 1: Creating an Escher-Like Shape

You can make your own Escher-like shapes by using the MW shape editor.

Using the Shape Editor:

  • The shape editor is the box of shapes you can choose to replace the turtle on the screen. The middle icon in the command center, resembles a dog's face, is the button to click to gain access to the shape editor (see below).

  • Within the shape editor you may create shapes. The box with the dot in the center is a space for you to create your own icon.

 

  • Double click on a box with a dot in the center located in the shape editor. When you have done this, a large view of this box appears on the screen and the color palette appears in the command center (see below).

  • Use the straight-line pencil to create a square around the perimeter of this box. Use the eraser to remove the dot in the center. The pencil will draw in the color that is highlighted on the palette.

  • Choose the pencil and a color of your choice to make an S shape on the right side of your square.

  • Choose the selection tool, the dashed line box, to select the right side.

  • Press the Ctrl key while dragging the selection to the left edge, if using a MAC hold the option key.

  • Line up the vertical edges so you have an exact copy on the right and left sides of the square. Erase the straight lines on the right and left side by picking the pencil and the color black and trace over the lines you want to erase.

To erase with the Shape Editor:

  • Two options exist for erasing in the shape editor. You can use the eraser found in the color palette, or use the pencil to retrace what you have already created.

  • Draw some features on the Escher-Like shape, such as a face.

  • Use the paint can to fill the piece with the color that you want.

  • Experiment with the button and the button in the shape editor. Discuss the symmetry of this shape.

Part 2: Stamping Escher-Like Tessellations

  • Change the turtle to the shape you have created.

To change the Turtle: 

  • To change the turtle to a new shape, click on the desired shape in the shape editor, then click on the turtle.

  • When you have established your image on the screen in place of the turtle, enlarge it by choosing the magnifying glass with the plus sign, , then position this icon on the image and click to the size you desire. You may click and drag your image about the screen but to tessellate with this image you must use the stamp tool to fix the icon in place.

To fix an Object:

  • To fix an object, first drag the object to the desired location. Choose the stamp tool and then snap the object in place by placing the stamp tool on the object and clicking the mouse once. Then place the stamp over the fixed image and click and drag to your next location.

  • Tessellate your screen with the image you created.

Extensions:

  • Create another shape that tessellates the screen. Discuss your tessellation.

  • Create a shape with no straight sides that tessellates. Discuss your process for creating the shape.


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Last modified on August 15, 2001.