Developing Geometry Understandings with Tangrams

  • 4.4 Developing Geometry Understandings with Tangrams

    Grade: PreK to 2nd

    In this two-part e-example, students choose from eight pre-made outlines and use either seven or fourteen pieces to create images and build basic geometric understandings. The options include the ability to: color, rotate, show hints, time progress, and create your own outlines.

    Activity

    Instructions

    Choose between 7  eEx_4.4 IMAGE 7Pieces and 14 pieces  eEx_4.4 IMAGE 14Pieces to fill the outline.

    To flip a piece, click on it, and press the flip button: eEx_4.4 IMAGE Flip

    To rotate a piece, hover above a vertex until the rotate indicator appears. Click, hold, and rotate the piece to the desired orientation.

    To receive help, click on the question mark; outlines will briefly appear to guide you.

    You can display or hide the timer by clicking on the clock.

    To reset the work space, click on eEx_4.4 IMAGE Reset.

    For finishing touches, choose a color from the palate and click on a piece. eEx_4.4 IMAGE SaveFunction

    To create a custom outline, move the pieces to the desired positions. Then, choose an empty box, and click "Save."

    To use the custom outline, choose the puzzle piece, and the tangrams will reset themselves. 

    Exploration

    Is it possible to complete all these tasks? Try these tangram challenges with the virtual tangrams:

    • Make a square using only one tangram piece.
    • Make a square using two tangram pieces.
    • Make a square using three tangram pieces.
    • Make a square using four tangram pieces.
    • Make a square using five tangram pieces.
    • Make a square using six tangram pieces.
    • Make a square using all seven tangram pieces.

    Which of these figures can you make using all seven tangram pieces?

    • A trapezoid
    • A rectangle that is not a square
    • A parallelogram that is not a square
    • A triangle

     

    Objectives and Standards

    NCTM Standards and Expectations
    • Geometry / Measurement
    • Understand that by similarity, side ratios in right triangles are properties of the angles in the triangle, leading to definitions of trigonometric ratios for acute angles.
    • Pre-K - 2
    • Geometry