Shape Shifters

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Goals:

The following list of course goals will be addressed in Shape Shifters. Each goal directly relates to a performance objective.

1. interact with computer graphics software
2. draw basic geometric shapes
3. experiment with tessellation patterns
4. produce finished drawing

Performance Objectives

Topic: "Designing Tessellations with Graphics Software"

Prerequisites: Planet Earth: The Design of Tessellations, and Paper Planet: Designing Tessellations With Traditional Tools may offer additional information.

Directions for Shape Shifters:

The following exercises are designed specifically for Adobe Illustrator 8 as the computer software package of choice. Adjustments may be made to accommodate other, but similar, graphics software.

What's in it for me?

Students may repeat exercises as often as necessary to become familiar with the menus and tools associated with the graphics package. Sketchbooks and student logs may be useful for the final drawing.

Activities:

Students should be familiar with the terminology and icons of the graphics software package by reading available texts and by completing the following tasks.

Compose
Open Adobe Illustrator.
Select "New".
Select "View" from menu bar.
Choose "Show Grid" and "Snap to Point".
The grid will be 8x8 square = to 8 ½ X 11" sheet of paper.

Grid show.

Circle:
Select the "Ellipse" tool from the Tools Menu
Position the cross hair onto the displayed work area.
Left click your mouse button and hold it down while dragging the image to form a circle.

Square:
Select the "Rectangle" tool from the Tools Menu and repeat the above steps for drawing a circle and draw a square.

Polygon:
Select the "Polygon" tool.
Draw a polygon the same size as the circle and square.
Bonus! Connect several polygons to form a tessellation pattern. Be prepared to explain how you completed this task.

Triangle:
Using the "Pen" tool, follow the instructions for making a straight line and create a triangle the same size as the other shapes.
Remember to deselect the triangle by left clicking anywhere away from the objects with the mouse button.

Equilateral triangle:
Select the rectangle tool and draw a rectangle that covers 4 primary squares thus forming a square.
Select the pen tool and 1) outline half of the square by anchoring the upper left corner with the 1^st click 2) click again in the lover right corner; 3) click in the lower left corner; and finally 4) click in the upper left corner (where you began).
Bonus! Record at least one other way to make an equilateral triangle with the graphics software. Be prepared to explain which drawing technique is more suitable to your project.

Associated Assignments:

1. The student will maintain a log/sketchbook.
2. The student will view interactive video for information and fostering creativity
3. The student will play the simulation game for practice manipulating tiles.
4. The student will participate with peers for review of accomplishments.
5. The student will complete a drawing project

What you'll need:

1. Internet
2. Software - Adobe Illustrator 8.0
3. Video - Life of M.C. Escher
4. Books - see list of resources
5. Student log/sketchbook

Resources: See list.

Post-test: These content goals will be combined with others.

Task Review:

Goals: Shape Shifters
1. interact with computer graphics software
2. draw basic geometric shapes circle square polygon triangle equilateral triangle
3. experiment with tessellation patterns
4. produce finished drawing with the graphics software
5. describe/demonstrate team participation with class
Subgoals
Access additional resources
Associated Assignments
Maintain log/sketchbook
Work with peer group for review.

Developed/Revised: April, 2000

2000-2006
Act1Graphics
Last update: 09.18.2005