An interesting way to look at the kitchen floor is to count the number of tiles in the border. Fred starts with four white floor tiles and writes an expression for the number of tiles needed for the colored border. Algebra learners are...

Create number sentences and equations to solve geometric problems. Each activity in the series of five asks young mathematicians to consider different-sized tiles to build structures according to specific criteria. The first activities,...

Young geometers and biologists investigate the math of nature in an activity that is just the bee's knees. Participants will study the tessellations of hexagons in a beehive, along with the natural rationale behind the specific shape....

This can be used as a critical thinking exercise in congruence or as a teaching tool when first introducing the concept. Four octagons are arranged in such a way that a square is formed in the middle. With this information, geometry...

After learning that the sum of interior angles for triangles is 108 degrees, take it further to show that the sum of angles in any polygon is the same! Using hexagons, pupils practice finding the measure of the six congruent angles. Make...

Four polygons each have a fraction with unlike denominators printed on them. Creative math minds select several shapes to create a design with and then write and solve a math problem involving the addition of all of the fractions...

Here's hoping that we can all fit into the pool. Given pictures and dimensions of a pool in tile lengths, scholars decide how many people can fit into the pool. This requires consideration of area, as well as the application of some...

Reinforce the concept of comparing fractions with a hands-on, two-player game that calls for a visual model, score board, and dice. Players roll dice to acquire their given fraction, create the fraction using fraction tiles, then...

Try five problems on triangles. Levels A and B focus on shapes that can be created from right triangles. Level C touches upon the relationship between the area of a six-pointed star and the area of each triangle of which it is composed....

Learners construct their understanding of measurement and dimensions in this step-by-step approach that begins with an all group vocabulary introduction, consisting of measuring objects and dialoging using measurement vocabulary....

Here's a new meaning to the expression throwing away money...a carpet of coins! An intriguing lesson requires calculations to determine the coin that would be the cheapest option, but it's a little tricky. The cost of the coin...

Using the provided counting mats (1-6 and 7-12) and small objects to count with, guide your young learners to match the correct number of objects to the written numeral and dots. Class members will either read the numeral and count out...

Learners sometimes have difficulty making sense of a word problem. In a guided learning activity, pupils are asked to think about how to find an answer and explain their thinking, rather than finding the answer. It allows them to...

This site provides a wealth of tutorials regarding tessellation. Content ranges from basic definitions of what tessellation is, to the math behind it, to various learning activities.

The Math Forum defines and illustrates geometric tessellation.

Many teachers find it more challenging to incorporate the use of manipulatives into their mathematics programs at the upper elementary or middle school grades. Activities using manipulatives are provided for grades four, five, and six...

This is a "three star" geometry problem where prior math problem skills and proof experience is recommended. Tile constructions may be used to solve this perimeter and area problem.

Learn how to enlarge drawings, figure out how much tile to buy to cover a specific floor, and learn about area and perimeter. These and other lesson plans are provided, including a fun interdisciplinary plan featuring dragons.

This site from the Drexel University explains the principles of factoring symbolically using algebra tiles.

Go to Tessellation Town on Tile Island and create a variety of tessellations.

The design project examines geometric shapes, color harmonies, and composition. An instructor sheet and student handout are included.

An area problem involving diagonals of a tiled floor.

This one page Mathworld site has a number of examples of semiregular tessellations. A definition and a small amount of related information is given at the bottom of the page.

Comparing Rectangles is a learning activity that applies skills that compare rectangles.