Tangram Puzzle — Seven-Piece Geometry

The tangram is ancient Chinese geometry. Seven pieces, infinite compositions. All pieces together form a square. The target silhouette is the control. Indirect aim: spatial reasoning, area conservation, aesthetic geometry.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Sensorial
• Learning area: Constructive Triangles
• Level: Ages 7-9

Objectives

• Solve tangram puzzles using all seven pieces
• Discover that pieces form squares, triangles, animals
• Understand area conservation
• Create original tangram designs

Materials

• Tangram set (7 pieces: 5 triangles, 1 square, 1 parallelogram)
• Tangram puzzle cards
• Grid paper
• Tracing paper

Instructions

1. Show the seven-piece square. 2. Disassemble; reassemble without reference. 3. Try a puzzle card: form a silhouette. 4. Solve increasingly complex: cat, person, house. 5. Note: area constant; shape changes. 6. Create original silhouette. 7. Compute area of each piece in terms of smallest triangle. 8. Research tangram history (China, 18th century).

Educator tip

Tangrams are addictive. Children will work for hours.

Assessment

Observe puzzle solving, area reasoning, and creative composition.

More from Sensorial

• Crystal Structure — Symmetry in Minerals
• Visual Discrimination — Fine Detail
• Introduction to Topology
• Pink Tower
• Brown Stair (Broad Stair)
• Red Rods
• Color Tablets Box 1
• Color Tablets Box 2