The Art of Tessellation

As part of our second grade ocean theme, my students created a school of fish tessellation.  This is the second year I have done this with students, and the display turns out wonderfully.  What I like best about this art project is that each fish is unique, just like my students, yet they fit together perfectly in a school, a metaphor for how we stick together throughout the school year.  Our bulletin board also educates viewers about the meaning of tessellation and the artist, M.C. Escher. This would be a great beginning of the year art project and bulletin board display as well. 

To download directions for making a fish tessellation template, visit Art Projects for Kids.  I traced the template for students to cut out.  Cutting carefully is key!  Then each student used tempera paints to create his/her tropical fish.  Finally, a giant googly eye was added. 

 

 

To create the bulletin board display, simply staple the fish together to form a tessellation.  The bubbles you see were made from the excess lamin at the end and edges of lamination jobs. Tip: Place a stack of heavy books on top of fish once dried (before hanging), as they like to curl up.

With the art of tessellation, the possibilities are many! Happy creating!