How would you like an activity that can be used at a wide variety of grade/ability levels, and covers fractions, decimals, percents, geometry, algebra, and language? Well, if this floats your mathematical boat, then read on.
Many tangram activities ask kids to make different shapes from the seven tans, but don’t really ask them to stretch their mathematical muscles. This activity encourages students to “see” the geometry and the fractional relationships inherent in the tangram.
Spatial reasoning is a critical skill that must be developed and nurtured in order for students to be excellent problem solvers. There are few activities that surpass this one in creating this skill. As teachers gain experience with tangrams, they see how to incorporate algebra as well. My partner, Brad Fulton, and I have presented this activity to thousands of teachers in workshops and at conferences. It never fails that many teachers have an “Aha moment!” while doing the activity and reflecting on its power to cover so many mathematical bases for students.
Tangrams activity is a 4 page pdf file, so it will print well at your site.
Give it a try, you’ll be energized, and your students will thank you!
- Mr. L
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