Write the three characteristics of all tessellations on the board for students: they're repeated patterns, they don't have gaps in their patterns and they can continue on without stopping. Direct students to collaborate with a partner to identify three different patterns in nature that may be tessellations. Discuss as a group when complete. Show students examples of tessellations found in nature such as pictures of snake skin, honeycombs and wasp's nests.
Generate a list of tessellations found in nature on the board using the students' responses and add to the list if necessary. Distribute an assortment of polygon shapes for creating tessellations to each student. Explain to students that patterns will go on forever if the shapes aren't congruent. Allow students to explore creating different patterns with their shapes. After several minutes, demonstrate for students how to join shapes so that the patterns repeat.
Direct students to create simple tessellation drawings independently. Provide each student with a piece of graph paper, a ruler, crayons and a fine-tip pen or marker. Allow students to access the Internet for examples of simple tessellation drawings or have a set of pictures or sample tessellation drawings to show the students before they begin the activity. When all students are completed with their drawings, allow them to share with the group.