Developing geometry understandings and spatial skills through puzzlelike problems with tangrams

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Important aspects of geometry in the lower grades are describing figures and visualizing what they look like when they are transformed through rotations or flips or are put together or taken apart in different ways are . This two-part tangram example demonstrates the potential for high-quality experiences provided by computer “shape” environments for students as they learn concepts described in the Geometry Standard. Problem-solving tasks that involve physical manipulatives as well as virtual manipulatives afford many students an entry into mathematics that they might not otherwise experience.In the first part, Tangram Puzzles, students can choose a picture and use all seven pieces to fill in the outline. In the second part, Tangram Challenges, students can use tangram pieces to form given polygons.

E-Math Investigations are selected e-examples from the electronic version of the Principles and Standards of School Mathematics (PSSM). The e-examples are part of the electronic version of the PSSM document. Given their interactive nature and focused discussion tied to the PSSM document, the e-examples are natural companions to the i-Math investigations.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment