In the winter of 2000, a class of K-8 preservice teachers were introduced to "TesselMania! Deluxe," a software product that visually and manually engages students in the study of transformations but, more specifically, tessellations. Prior to discussing the topic of transformations, students were only slightly familiar with two types of transformations, namely, rotations and reflections. By combining a hands-on activity in which these and other transformations were demonstrated, followed by student exploration of the software, resulted in an unplanned, but welcomed, Vygotskian environment. Students were engaged in rich social interactions, exchanging predictions, and defending their reasoning. Students' zones of proximal development were bridged, as students both collaborated and practiced independently, gaining a deep understanding of how transformations are used to create tessellations. Technological implications of the software are discussed as well as the potential for K-8 classroom use. (Contains 7 figures.)