Learning Scale for Reflection/Mirror Tessellations

Scale Details: Grades 7 4-5 day project

Score 4.0 Expert
Learning Beyond the
Standard; Teach to Others
You will be able to create a tessellation based on the Reflection/Mirror type of tessellations.
Students will be able to explain to others how to do it. You will be able to share their
technique with peers to develop deeper understanding of the process and possibly see
many more solutions to the tessellation.
Score 3.0 Practitioner
Essential Target Knowledge;
CCSS or NGSS
ART.VA.I.7.1 Understand the varying qualities of materials, techniques, media technology, and processes at an emerging level.
ART.VA.I.7.2 Understand the concept of proper use of art materials and using tools safely and responsibly at an emerging level.
ART.VA.I.7.3 Demonstrate the use of successful visual vocabulary at an emerging level.
ART.VA.II.7.1 Identify, design, and solve creative problems at an emerging level.
ART.VA.II.7.2 Develop and apply critical thinking strategies through the art making process at an emerging level.
ART.VA.III.7.6 Identify personal and community experiences within works of art at an emerging level.

You will be able to develop a project using Reflection/Mirror tessellations on larger sheets of
paper. You will resolve to find an image or fascination within the basic shape used. You will
draw extra elements within that basic shape to further develop the tessellation. You will
understand how to develop a translation template using a square base.
Score 2.0 Apprentice
Essential Foundation
Knowledge
You will be able to see a tessellation and know which type it is, however still struggling to
develop your tessellation onto larger paper. You may understand how to do, but not
actually place the cut pieces correctly to replicate designs properly.
Score 1.0 Novice
Vocabulary; Simple
Understanding


The student will be able to identify the tessellation vocabulary.

Tessellation: a covering of an infinite geometric plane without gaps or overlaps by
congruent plane figures of one type or a few types.

Motif: a decorative design or pattern.

Template: a shape or pattern that is cut out of a hard material (such as metal or plastic)
and used to make the same shape and pattern in other pieces of material.

Pattern: the repetition of an element (or elements) in a work.

Translation/Slide Tessellation: Base design having one side cut and attached exactly on the
opposite side of the base.

Mirror/Reflection Tessellation: Base design where one side is cut and rotated to the right or
left of its original position and reattached to that said side. Additional sides may also be cut
as long as rotation of cut pieces go in the opposite side of the original cut.

Rotation Tessellation: Base design where one side is cut and rotated to the right or left of its
original position and reattached to that said side. Additional sides may also be cut as long
as rotation of cut pieces follow suite. This design works well with hexagon or triangle base.

Artist Sample:
M.C. Escher




Student Sample: