Developed by Laura Conkright
lconkright@daviess.k12.ky.us

For Honors Geometry Grade 9/10

Kids of all ages love puzzles. In this lesson you will learn about a special puzzle called a tangram. Begin by reading about the history of the tangram.

A tangram has seven basic pieces which include a square, parallelogram, two small triangles, two large triangles, and one medium size triangle. The pieces can fit together to form many shapes. Try this interactive site. You will click on the puzzle pieces on the left and drag to fit the shape at the right. If you click on the middle of the shape, an arrow will pop up to help you turn the shape. If you need help, click on some of the buttons at the top of the site. In the right hand corner you can generate new puzzles. Try at least two puzzles.

Below is a tangram in its usual puzzle form. Answer the questions about the tangram.

In your textbook on page 74 it tells how you can make your own tangram. Or you can visit this site to follow the directions. Use some colored paper of mine and make your own. Cut the tangram apart into the seven pieces. Use all seven pieces with no overlapping to make a rectangle and right triangle.

Sketch a picture to show how you fit all seven pieces together.

On the web sites you visited there are many other links to visit later. I hope you have enjoyed this short lesson about tangrams!