Tessellations and transformation patterns
Recognise and use combinations of translations, reflections and rotations to create tessellations and other geometric patterns, using dynamic geometry software where appropriate
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1858 concepts · 9 subjects
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1 approach
Tessellations and transformation patterns means practising the idea at the table with counters or paper models and one clear check. We will demo once, then your child tries.
Materials: Unit cubes or squared paper nets; Pencil for recording. 1. Say the goal of Tessellations and transformation patterns in plain words once. 2. Adult builds a 2×3×4 cuboid and counts 24 unit cubes. 3. Child builds or sketches three cuboids/nets and records length×width×height. 4. Fresh check: one fresh L×W×H volume. Record and stop. Done: three correct volume or net records. Proof: parent note of examples and results. Stop: End after the fresh check; keep optional challenge for another day.
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Start practiceTessellations and transformation patterns practice
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Learning resources
Extra practice links — they do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.
PhET Interactive Simulations · Practice link — not the full lesson
Area Builder
Before you open · source notes
Area Builder supports hands-on exploration for Tessellations and transformation patterns. Not every lab worksheet.
Free interactive page, no sign-in required for the tested path.
Before you openAsk the learner what they changed in the sim or page and what they observed.
Opening this link does not save learning or assess mastery.
Source, access and review notes
Public PhET Interactive Simulations page. An anonymous GET on 2026-11-12 returned HTTP 200 with no login or payment prompt for this URL. Opening the link does not save practice or assess mastery. An adult should preview and guide the learner.
PhET Interactive Simulations. “Area Builder.” External page; Gakuva does not copy, host, embed, or redistribute materials.
Unknown — link only
Check understanding
- Explain why equilateral triangles, squares and regular hexagons tessellate but regular pentagons do not
- Create a tessellation from a modified tile by translating and rotating it, describing the transformations used
- Use geometry software to build a frieze pattern by repeatedly reflecting and translating a motif
“When your child looks at bathroom tiles or a brick wall, can they explain why the shapes fit together with no gaps — and create their own tiling pattern by sliding, flipping or turning a shape?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Procedural
- Subject
- Mathematics
- Domain
- Geometry
- Age range
- Ages 11–12
Standards