Grade Level:  3 - 5

Subject:  Math, Language Arts, Social Studies

Learner Outcomes:
  Learners will be able to distinguish between geometric shapes.
  Learners will be able to construct a geometric shape using visual cues placed on an overhead.
  Learners will design an original silhouette using all seven tans.
  Learners will compose a story based on the designs.
  Learners will recognize similarities and differences between Chinese and American culture.

Duration of Lesson:
        5 separate 45 minute lessons

Materials:
        Grandfather Tang's Story, overhead projector, classroom set of tangrams, 1 set of overhead
        projector tangrams, word processing program such as Creative Writer, notebook paper, pencil,
        colored pencils, white one inch three ring binder, chart paper

Technology Tools / Courseware:
        overhead projector, word processing program, internet, CD-ROM
          encyclopedia or related resources

Teacher Notes:
Bookmark web sites to be used
Acceptable Use Policy in place
Practice making the story images on the overhead.

Procedures:
         Session 1:
                 1. Create a word web on background knowledge of China.
                 2.  In cooperative learning groups students will use the internet and classroom resources
                      to research and gather minimum of 5 facts about China.
                 3. Students will create a poster based on their information to be shared with
                      the class.  Discussion will include similarities and differences between Chinese and
                      American culture.
                 4. These posters should be displayed in the room.

         Session 2:
                 1.  Oral reading of the story Grandfather Tang's Story.  Place tangram pieces on the
                      overhead in order to show the silhouettes depicted in the story.
                 2.  Teacher will identify the 7 tans in a tangram.  Provide each student with a set of
                      tangrams to explore. Students will be asked to identify the geometric shapes in a
                      tangram using any resource available to them.
                 3.  Teacher will discuss the following tangram rules:
All seven tans must be used.
They must touch.
The pieces may not overlap.
In story telling, tans are arranged in the shape of a character.
As the story continues, the pieces are rearranged to show new characters or story elements.
Students will design a silhouette of their own using all seven tans of the tangram.
                 4.  Students will share their creation in their cooperative learning group.

         Session 3 and 4:
                   1.  Groups will collaboratively compose a story incorporating each members tangram.
                   2.  Students will construct a story board for their tale.
                   3.  Students will revise and edit story.  Students will publish their tale using a word
                        processing  program. (example: Creative Writer)

         Session 5:
                    1. Students will  illustrate their stories incorporating tangrams, scenery, and background.
                    2. Students will share their tales in a whole group setting..

Modifications:
        Assign roles in the cooperative learning groups according to abilities in order to ensure student
           participation.

Enrichment Activities:
Students will gather information about tangrams such as notes and digital photos
             to be used to create slides for a Power Point presentation.  This presentation
             will be used to summarize the unit.
Students may also go to an internet site to manipulate virtual tans.

Evaluation / Assessment:
        Formative- Teacher observations of participation in groups using a rubric.
        Summative - Students will create a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting
                           Chinese and American culture using information from the story.

West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives:
         Language Arts
                  3.41, 3.42, 3.45, 4.49, 4.50, 4.52, 5.55, 5.57, 5.58
       Math
                  3.34, 4.34, 5.31
       Social Studies
                  3.30, 3.40

National Standards:
         Language Arts
                 1.  Uses the general skills and strategies of the writing process
          Math
                 1.  Uses a variety of strategies in the problem solving process
          Social Studies
                 1.  Understands selected attributes and historical developments of societies in Africa, the
                     Americas, Asia, and Europe

References:
       Construct your own Tangram
        Creative Writer
        Book resources
      Tangram printout
        Book References
           Grandfather Tang's Story by Ann Tompert  ISBN 0-517-57272-9
           Three Pigs, One Wolf, and Seven Magic Shapes by Grace Maccarone ISBN 0590308572
           Story Puzzles: Tales in the Tangram Tradition  ISBN 0917846591

Author:
        Marguin Godfrey, French Creek Elementary School
        Jody Johnson, French Creek Elementary School
        Ronna Smallridge, French Creek Elementary School