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Overview
Grade 8
Shape and Space
15. NL.SO.8SS6
15.3 Tessellations using rotations
Tessellations Using Rotations
See how turning a shape around a fixed center point again and again can tile an entire plane with no gaps or overlaps.
What You'll Learn
A tessellation using rotations is made by turning one shape around a fixed center point to create a repeating pattern with no gaps or overlaps.
The angle of rotation used must divide evenly into 360 degrees so the copies meet exactly around each center point.
Shapes with rotational symmetry, such as equilateral triangles, squares, and regular hexagons, are especially easy to tessellate this way.
Checking that angles meeting at a point add up to 360 degrees is the key test for whether a rotational tessellation works.
Rotational tessellations are common in pinwheel-style patterns and in some tile and mosaic designs.
What You'll Practice
1
Finding polygon names from rotational symmetry angles (30°, 45°, 120°, 180°)
2
Drawing lines of reflection symmetry on triangles, squares, and pentagons
3
Identifying symmetry differences between regular and irregular hexagons
Why This Matters
Understanding rotational and reflection symmetry helps you recognize patterns in geometry, art, and architecture. This foundational concept connects to transformations in algebra and is essential for advanced topics like tessellations, trigonometry, and design applications.
Before You Start — Make Sure You Can:
This Unit Includes
8 Video lessons
Learning resources
Skills
Rotational Symmetry
Reflection Symmetry
Polygons
Transformations
Geometry
Angle Measurement
NL Curriculum Aligned