I'm not sure what this means or what it is asking me to do, I've been programming with Java for only a few months and this seems really difficult with my limited knowledge.
From what I can tell, your assignment is to draw graphics on a panel using the required methods. The graphics can be of any color or size. Once you have done that, you are to make 3 copies of that panel which will leave you with 4 of the same panel. Then you are to put those 4 panels onto another panel and make a copy of that panel 3 times. This in reality should leave you with 16 of the original panels placed into a 4x4 grid or 4 big panels placed in a 2x2 grid. I would still recommend asking your instructor for help though, incase I am incorrect.