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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

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tangram

Learn more about tangram

Tangrams
While reading Grandfather Tang's Story by Ann Tompert, students will be using tangrams to create the animals that the fox fairies are turning themselves into in this story.
Format: lesson plan (grade 3 Mathematics)
By Dawn Coleman.
Tangram Magic
This lesson will involve students in the use of tangrams and how they are used to create different figures.
Format: lesson plan (grade 3 English Language Arts and Mathematics)
By Alta Allen.
Inside, Outside, and All Around
Students will distinguish between perimeter, area, and volume. They will use tangrams and graph paper to create two-dimensional figures that will be measured for area and perimeter. By creating layers of centimeter cubes, the students will explore the concept of volume.
Format: lesson plan (grade 4–5 Mathematics)
By Angeli Jarman.
Multicultural cross grade level unit plan
This unit of study integrates reading, writing, math, and social studies. It is designed to help first and third grade students relate to other cultures of the world. They will understand and compare the similarities and differences of children, families, and communities in different times and places. They will analyze religious and other cultural traditions. They will apply basic geographic concepts.
Format: lesson plan (grade 1 English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Social Studies)
By Shirley Young.

Traditionally used to create shapes and figures from seven geometric pieces (or tans): five triangles in different sizes, one square, and one parallelogram. Tangrams can also be used for other math functions, including measures of area and fractional parts and wholes.

See also manipulative.

Additional information

Tangrams are thought to derive from centuries-old Chinese puzzle games. In Chinese, tangrams are called ch’i ch’iao t’u, or ingenious-puzzle figure of seven pieces.

Examples and resources

Tangrams are laid out as follows:

tangrams

Tom Scavo has created a page on "Constructing Your Own Set of Tangrams," and Math Portal has a link to "Working with Tangrams."