6th Grade Tessellations Inspired by Islamic Art and Design

6th graders studied Islamic culture and history in their social studies classes. Drawing upon that knowledge base, we looked at some Islamic art and design for visual inspiration on Pattern and Rhythm (two Principles of Design). Here are some examples (L to R: carved wooden screen, painted ceramic bowl, mosaic close up, mosaic wall):

Students then designed and hand-carved their own stamps using shape and pattern:

Students chose two warm colors and two cool colors of paint and paper, and filled two pages with their stamp, being careful not to leave gaps or have overlaps. To encourage fine motor control with tools, they were required to thin down acrylic paint and apply it to the stamp with a flat brush instead of using printer’s ink and a brayer (roller).

Students then learned how to create a tessellation and made one of their own design. A tessellation is a polygon (many sided shape) that is congruent (exactly alike in shape and size) when repeated. Think of it an an infinitely repeating puzzle piece!

Students traced their tessellations (with no gaps or overlaps) onto one of their printed pages. After carefully cutting out all shapes, they collaged (glued) the tessellations onto their contrasting printed page. The result is artwork with natural Pattern, Rhythm, Contrast, Movement and Unity! (All of which are Principles of Design!)