Shape Up With Geometry

Lesson V

Title:  Magical Shapes

Grade Level: 1-3

Subject:  Mathematics // Geometry:  Listening:  Reading Comprehension:  Social
                             Studies/WV History

Learner Outcomes:  Student will:

Duration of Lesson:  3 - 30 minute sessions

Materials:

Grandfather Tang’s Story by Ann Tompert

The Quilt Story by Tony Johnson and Tomie dePaola, Putnam Publishers

Sam Johnson and The Blue Ribbon Quilt by Lisa Campbell Ernst (for Upper grades)

Overhead
Overhead Tangrams
Tangrams : Classroom set
Overhead Transparencies of the tangram shapes from Grandfather Tang’s Story
Tangram Make A Shape Chart
Tangram Worksheet or original student creations
Sets of Tangram Picture Puzzles
Ellison Die Cut Machine
Ellison Die Cut Tangram Pattern
Construction Paper
Glue
Crayons
Bulletin Board paper or other wide paper
Zip Lock Bags sandwich size for individual storage of die cut tangram shapes
Cloth quilt

Technology/ Tools / Courseware:

Multimedia computer with internet access
Software - Hands On Math Vol I CD

Teacher Notes:

Classroom management tip:  Number each tangram in each set prior to distribution.  Ex. Set 1 number all seven tans with the number 1, set 2 numbered with all 2s. Number a corresponding zip lock bag for each set of tangrams.This will allow loose pieces to be placed easily into the correct Zip Lock Bag.  Worksheets can be created which match the animal patterns in Grandfather Tang or located  from the book, Tangramables; Learning Resource or at these web sites:
Amy Garceau's Tangram Lesson Plans
S.T. Han's Pages-Tangram Page
Areas of Tangrams Pieces-Tom Scavo
Cut tangram pieces using construction paper for quilt.  If available bring a quilt to illustrate concept.

Procedures:

1.   Introduce the trangrams.  Discuss name and attributes of each shape.

2.   Free exploration for a limited time.  Review names of shapes.

3.   Exploration relationship between shapes. Example:  Place two small triangles over parallelogram,
square, or medium triangle.  Place square and two small triangles; parallelogram and two small triangles; medium triangle and two small triangles over large triangle.  Discuss exploration.

4.   Read Grandfather Tang’s Story.  Discuss and create animals on overhead with tangram pieces.(could have students place tangrams on overhead depending on grade level and maturity of students)

5.   Use tangram designs.  Demonstrate one design on the overhead modeling the placement of  pieces onto pattern.  Distribute a packet or geometry folder containing several patterns. Students work independently to cover designs.  (Good opportunity for teacher observation and evaluation)

6.   Read The Quilt Story.  Discuss.  (Good opportunity for connection with Social Studies.)  Share a real quilt if possible. Prepare to construct tangram quilt.  Distribute necessary tangram pieces. ( pre-cut on Ellison Die Cut) and 7 X 14 sheet of art paper.  For younger students all quilt squares will be constructed the same.  Older students might explore and create a “crazy” quilt.  One side of the 7 X 14 paper ( 7 X 7 section) is for actual quilt block construction with tangram pieces.  The other side of paper ( left or right) (7 X 7)  would be used to draw an original picture related to the quilt.  Completed 7 X 14 quilt sections are then connected onto a backing paper to create one large quilt.

7.   Distribute student worksheet.  Explore number of pieces required to make several pictures.

Modifications:

Adjust the lesson to meet individual needs.  Floor or larger size tangrams could be used for tactile experiences with the Visually Impaired, Multiple Handicapped, MI, or EMI students.  Use the larger size tangrams and bulletin board paper to trace animals and other familiar objects in order for the challenged students to create various shapes and figures.

Enrichment:

Other Books to read (see resources)
Students will use Hands On Math Vol I  and online websites at the computer station. (see resources)
Tangram Task Cards and pictures to cover will be placed at a learning center.

Vocabulary:

Tangram: A tangram is a Chinese puzzle made of a square cut into various shapes that you can put together to make a number of different patterns.
Parallelogram:  A parallelogram is a polygon with opposite sides that are equal in length and parallel.  It has 2 opposite obtuse angles, and 2 opposite acute angles.
Congruent:  Congruent is equal in shape and size.
Quilt:  A quilt is a warm, padded, frequently handmade, covering for a bed.
Obtuse Angle:  An obtuse angle is an angle between 90 and 180 degrees.
Acute Angle:  An acute angle is an angle less than 90 degrees.

Extensions:

The class can create monthly quilts related to holidays, literature, units of study and the Social Studies Curriculum.  Individual children can create their own tangram outlines to share with classmates.

Evaluation:

Evaluation should be based on teacher observations, individual and class quilt construction and individual tangram animal/shape creations. Math journal can also be used as an additional math assessment.

State Standards:

West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives

Math:  1.27, 1.32. 2.35, 2.36, 3.34, 3.35, 3.38
Listening: 1.1, 2.10, 3.10
Reading Comprehension:  1.21, 2.19, 2.44, 3.15, 3.33
Social Studies/WV History:  WV.16, WV.17

National Standards

References/Resources:

Teacher Created Worksheets:
1. Tangram Square
2. Grandfather Tang Tangram Shapes
3. Additional Tangram Shapes
4. Tangram Make A Shape Chart
5. Math Journal

Literature and Teacher Resource:

Tangramath:  Dale Seymour Publications
The Tangram Magician by Lisa Campbell Ernst and Lee Ernst
Three Pigs, One Wolf, and seven Magic Shapes  by Grace Maccarone, Scholastic
The Quilt by Donald Crews and Ann Jonas
The Patchwork Quilt by Valerie Flournoy
The Quilt Story by Tony Johnson
The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco
Eight Hands Round by Ann Whitford Paul
The Josefina Story Quilt by Eleanor Coerr
Sam Johnson and the Blue Ribbon Quilt by Lisa Campbell Ernst
Connections:  Linking Manipulatives to Mathematics, Grade 3:  Creative Publications
Hands on Tangrams, Grade 3:  Creative Publications
Primary Jobcards:  Puzzles with Tangrams, Grades PreK-2: Creative Publications
Tangram Patterns, Grades K-AdultCreative Publications
Tangram Task Cards: Creative Publications
Tangramables, K-6:  Learning Resource

Tangram Websites to Visit:

Amy Garceau's Tangram Lesson Plans
S.T. Han's Pages-Tangram Page
Areas of Tangrams Pieces-Tom Scavo
Instructions For Cutting Tangrams
Problem Solving and Manipulating Tangrams

Created By:

Jeanne Beard
Linda Hull
Connie Miragliotta
 
Intro Page
Lesson I
Lesson II
Lesson III 
Lesson IV
Lesson V