Teacher Resources

Scenario	You have been learning about tangrams in math.  You have learned what shapes make up the tangram.   When illustrators create characters, they start with shapes.  After reading Three Pigs, One Wolf, and Seven Magic Shapes by Grace Maccarone think about the shapes the illustrator used to create the characters.  Using what you have learned about the tangram, answer this important question...  Essential Question:  How can the tangram pieces be moved to create a new character for Three Pigs, One Wolf, and Seven Magic Shapes ?
Task	First, you will use this shape chart to show what you already know about shapes. Then, you will use this Tangram Chart to organize what you learn about tangrams. Finally, you will use a web site to flip and turn shapes to make characters from the tangram pieces.
Product	You're going to create a new character for Three Pigs, One Wolf, and Seven Magic Shapes.  Using what you learn about flipping and rotating geometric shapes, put together the shapes from the tangram to make your own character for the story.  After you create your new character, you will use KidPix to display your character and write a sentence about your character.
Assessments	Click on the checklist below to help you do your very best work! Tangram Character Checklist
Question	Essential Question:  How can the tangram pieces be moved to create a new character for Three Pigs, One Wolf, and Seven Magic Shapes ? Subsidiary questions What are the shapes that make up the tangram? How many times can you flip a triangle to show it a different way? How many times can you rotate a triangle to show it a different way? How many times can you flip a square to show it a different way? How many times can you rotate a square to show it a different way? How many times can you flip a parallelogram to show it a different way? How many times can you rotate a parallelogram to show it a different way?
Gather and Sort	Use the Tangram Chart to organize what you learn. Click on the dancing man to learn more about tangrams:   Click on the rabbit to move, flip and rotate shapes. To move, rotate and flip blocks: Move a block by clicking and dragging it. Rotate a block by clicking and dragging one of its corners. Flip a block by clicking on it and then clicking the flip button.
Organize	Analyze your completed graphic organizer.  Count how many different ways you could move the different shapes. After all work is completed, use the planning checklist again to make sure you did your best work.
Conclusion	Reflection and/or Extension Activities: When you flip or rotate a shape does the size or number of sides change?

Last update: July, 2004
Created by Sharon Grimes & Melissa Douglas

BCPS Research Module, Copyright 2004, Baltimore County Public Schools, MD, all rights reserved. This Research Module may be used for educational, non-profit school use only. All other uses, transmissions, and duplications are prohibited unless permission is granted expressly.

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