In this lesson, students
understand the concept of culture and traditions through a
literature-based mathematical activity. Students will read a
Chinese folktale which introduces the concept of geometric shapes
through Chinese tangrams. The Chinese Tangram is an ancient Chinese
puzzle that inspires imagination and creativity. More importantly, tangrams assist students in learning geometric concepts in a fun
way. Tangrams are traditionally composed of seven geometric pieces
(five triangles, a square and a rhomboid), the tangram can be
arranged to show over 300 characters including people, letters,
boats, and animals. All seven pieces of the tangram must be
utilized. This lesson is geared towards 3rd and 4th grade students
but can be modified for younger students.
Objectives
Students will learn the history of Chinese tangrams.
Students will construct a set of tangrams from construction
paper and identify the geometric shape of each piece.
Students will use all seven tangram pieces to make various
geometric shapes.
After reading "Grandfather Tang's Story," students will create
shapes using their imaginations and tans.
Students will use their tangram shapes to create own
folktale.
Materials
Book (Grandfather Tang’s
Story)
Tangram template
Paper (Construction paper)
Scissors
Computer with Internet access
Procedure
Begin the lesson by telling the students that
cultures often pass on their traditions through storytelling.
Write the word tangram on the board. Briefly
explain the meaning of the word (Chinese puzzle made of seven
geometric figures).
Inform the students that they will listen to a
folktale that describes tangram.
Read the story “Grandfather Tang’s Story” by
Ann Trompert
Have the students learn more about the history
of Chinese tangram by searching the Internet or using the
suggested links.
Discuss how tangrams are used to tell the
story.
Using construction paper, scissors, and tangram
directions have students construct a set of tangrams.
Discussion will follow with students
identifying each geometric shape that make up a tangram.
Have the students use their tangram to create
the animals in the story using puzzle worksheet.
Inform the students that tangrams can be use to
make hundreds of shapes.
Have students write out their own stories in which the
characters change into different creatures.
Have students use their tangram pieces and
their imaginations to create their own shapes of animals,
people, etc. for their story.
Students can share their story with the class
and have the others students guess the type or name of creature
based on their description.
