Teaching Geometry Chapter 6-Symmetry and Tessellations

Symmetry and tessellations are an engaging way to connect algebra and geometry and to introduce students to the aesthetics of mathematics. In this chapter teachers explore applications of geometric transformations to describe symmetry and create tessellations. Reflective and rotational symmetry are examined. Teachers consider why all triangles tessellate and determine which regular polygons will tessellate the plane. Translations, reflections and rotations are used to create tessellations using a dynamic geometry environment.