Tessellations and Transformations: Aligning Creativity and Cultural Pedagogy in the Geometry Classroom

Abstract

Mathematics is considered by many to be static, very cut and dry, with only one answer and limited ways of solving a problem. However, mathematics is dynamic, with multiple answers (algebraic, geometric, analytic, etc.) with various means of obtaining them. It is this perception that allows art to be incorporated into the learning of mathematics, which allows more students to see and express themselves when learning mathematics. This curriculum project was designed to incorporate art, individuality, and cultural pedagogy in 8th Grade Mathematics and High School Geometry by using a program called GeoGebra. This program allows hands-on investigation into geometric transformations through tiling creations and observing how rigid motions create tessellations and demonstrate congruency between shapes. This project includes four tessellation lessons with guidance of how to incorporate GeoGebra into the classroom. Keys for all materials are included in the appendix.