Tangram shapes

Tangram shapes

Pencil and paper
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Further Resources
This task is about tangrams.
Practical task

a)   Cut out the first set of shapes and arrange them so that they fit exactly into the outline
      drawing of the rectangle. Glue them on to the rectangle.
 
rectangle shape
 
b)   Cut out the second set of shapes. Find a different way of arranging them so that they
      fit exactly into the outline drawing of the rectangle. Glue them on to the rectangle.
 
rectangle shape
 
c)   Cut out the third set of shapes and arrange them so that they fit exactly into the
      outline drawing of the triangle. Glue them onto the triangle.   
 
triangle shape
 
 
Cut out all the shapes
 
Set 1
 
Set 2
 
Set 3 
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper, and other equipment.
 
Equipment
Ruler; pencil; glue; page of tangram shapes; pages of outline drawings.
Tell students that the parallelogram may be flipped.
Level:
3
Curriculum info: 
Maths, Geometry and Measurement, Shape
Key Competencies: 
Thinking
Keywords: 
tangrams, shape properties
Description of task: 
Students cut out tangram shapes and arrange them to fit two different ways into rectangle outlines and once into a triangle outline.
Learning Progression Frameworks
This resource can provide evidence of learning associated with
Geometric thinking, sets 3-4
within the Mathematics Learning Progressions Frameworks.
Read more about the Learning Progressions Frameworks.
Answers/responses: 
a)

b)

 Makes the first rectangle without help. [Answers will vary]

Makes the first rectangle after being shown where the two large
triangles go.

Makes a second version of the rectangle without help.

Makes a second version of the rectangle after being shown
where the two large triangles go.
[Do not accept a rotation of the first rectangle.]

Possible answers. [Answers will vary.]

 

c) Makes the triangle without help. [Answers will vary.]

Makes the triangle after being shown where the two large triangles go.

   


NOTE: Other solutions are possible.

Extension: Explore how many different solutions there are.