Math 8 – Green POD 2010/2011
Cathedral Stain Glass Windows using Tessellations
Criteria for Project:
1. Design a Cathedral window frame. You may want to check out some images on the internet if you need some
inspiration.
2. Design a tessellation pattern to fill in the window frame to give the impression of stain glass. Again, if you are
looking for inspirations check out some images of stain glass windows on the internet or in library books.
Criteria for Tessellation:
1. Create a tracer for your tessellation pattern. You must be able to trace your image a minimum of 10 times
within the window frame on an 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper, so do not make your tracer too large.
Remember …
 To start with a regular geometrical shape and then use the “nibble” technique to change the shape.
Next, perform your chosen transformation(s) (i.e. slides, rotations…etc.)
 When altering a geometrical shape to create a tessellation the shape must retain the same area as the
original shape. In other words, what is cut from one side must be taped on to another - no missing
pieces or holes in your tessellation tracer 

2. Trace your tessellation pattern using pencil, then outline shapes with a fine liner, last erase all visible pencil
marks.
3. The tessellation must fill the entire window frame – no white spaces at all.
4. A clear and continuous pattern must be obvious.
5. Your stain glass window must be coloured. Colour adds so much to the pattern and effectiveness of your
tessellation. Pencil crayon only.
6. *** Optional… Lightly and carefully paint over your entire tessellation with a brushing of olive oil (you only
need a tiny bit of oil...it goes along way). Let it dry completely. This gives your creation a very good window
effect. If you choose to do this you will have to do it at home, on your own time.
7. Frame your cathedral stain glass window with a 5 cm cardboard border.
8. Name and division on the back of your Cathedral window.
Focus on:




The integration of math and art…both are equally important in a tessellation
Neatness
Attention to detail
Creativity and imagination
DUE DATE: December 16th, 2010…by end of day!
Have fun!
Cathedral Stain Glass Windows using Tessellations
Criteria for Project:
Design a tessellation pattern to fill in a Cathedral window frame to give the impression of stain glass. If you
are looking for inspiration, check out some images of stained glass windows on the internet or in library
books.
Criteria for Tessellation:
1. Create a tracer for your tessellation pattern. You must be able to trace your image a minimum of 10 times
within the window frame on an 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper, so do not make your tracer too large.
Remember …
 To start with a regular geometrical shape and then use the “nibble” technique to change the shape.
Next, perform your chosen transformation(s) (i.e. slides, rotations…etc.)
 When altering a geometrical shape to create a tessellation, each copy of the original shape must retain
the same area as the original shape. In other words, what is cut from one side must be taped on to
another - no missing pieces or holes in your tessellation tracer 
2. Trace your tessellation pattern using pencil. Then outline shapes with a fine liner. Last, erase all visible
pencil marks.
3. The tessellation must fill the entire window frame – no white spaces at all.
4. A clear and continuous pattern must be obvious.
5. Your stain glass window must be coloured. Colour adds so much to the pattern and effectiveness of your
tessellation. Pencil crayon only.
6. *** Optional… Lightly and carefully paint over your entire tessellation with a brushing of olive oil (you
only need a tiny bit of oil...it goes along way). Let it dry completely. This gives your creation a very good
window effect. If you choose to do this you will have to do it at home, on your own time.
7. Frame your cathedral stain glass window with a 5 cm cardboard border.
8. Name and division on the back of your Cathedral window.
Focus on:




The integration of math and art…both are equally important in a tessellation
Neatness
Attention to detail
Creativity and imagination
DUE DATE: December 16th, 2012
Have fun!