T 'n' T: Tessellations and Telecommunications -

an 'explosive' combination

As part of the "Let's Get Connected" event, educators are invited to challenge their students to create tessellations using any computer "paint" program or HyperStudio. Such creations must be sent to as an "Internet-ready" e-mail attachment to this activity host at lgc98@wsd1.org to be displayed on the world wide web.

Overview
By definition, a tessellation is an arrangement of closed shapes which cover a plane without gaps or overlaps. Two tessellations, on either side of the "T 'n' T" logo above, illustrate this mosaic procedure which has definite art and mathematical foundations. Staff and students who are engaged in this activity will be provided a wealth of Internet-resources to complement any tessellation unit as well as a series of steps to assist them to create a tessellation pattern using either a "paint" software application or HyperStudio (in either Macintosh or Windows formats). Once student-created tessellations are designed, educators will be required to ensure that all these pictures conform to a standard (512 x 342 pixel) size. Students may then wish to add their name (only first name and the first initial of their surname) and school to the creation before all tessellations are converted to an "Internet-ready" GIF or JPG image. Each tessellation can then be sent as an e-mail attachment to the activity host so that they can be displayed on a world wide web page. It is hoped that we will be able to collect 128 different tessellations to commemorate Manitoba’s 128th birthday.

Navigational Links
The following links will help you navigate around this "tessellation activity" web page. Educators, planning to use this resource with their students are recommended to print out a copy of each of the pages in this web as a teachers' guide. It is recommended that one proceed through the pages in the order listed. Each page will contain the consistent navigation bar containing the "T 'n' T" information outlined below:

1. T 'n' T - Teaching 'n' Techniques:
   Staff and students engaged in this activity will be provided an illustrated step-by-step procedure for creating computer-created tessellations. Regardless of whether your students choose to use a Macintosh or Windows-based "paint" program or HyperStudio (on either platform), strategies and techniques will be outlined on this page for creating tessellations.
   
2. T 'n' T - Transfer 'n' Telecommunications:
   Once a tessellation is completed, educators will be advised how they can ensure that all tessellations conform to a standard size and how they can be converted to an "Internet-ready" GIF or JPG image format. This page will provide educators with information to help transfer the tessellation creation to the host facilitator as an e-mail attachment.
   
3. T 'n' T - Trivia 'n' Tours:
   Educators wishing to enhance this tessellation activity are encouraged to visit the numerous links to tessellation resources throughout the world wide web.
   
4. T 'n' T - Talent 'n' Tessellations:
   Staff and students alike will want to visit this page to see the variety of tessellation creations submitted. It is recommended that one bookmark this page and visit often during the latter part of April and during the first two weeks of May to view the creativity of students.
   
5. T 'n' T - Talk 'n' Transmit:
   This link is provided as a way to provide feedback via e-mail to the activity coordinator. Do not use this link for sending tessellation attachments but rather for simple textual inquiries or feedback.