Pentomino Puzzler
Author: Sue Jacobs
School District: Ogdensburg
Subject: 5 (Title Math group)
Grade Range: Can be adapted 3-8 with extensions using Katamino game
Duration/Time Required:
- Number of days: 2-3
- Length of period: 40 minutes with a follow up day
Standard:
- Content - Measurement and Geometry
- Process - Problem Solving, Connections, Reasoning and Proof, Communication and Presentation
Objective:
1. The Students will form the 12 possible Pentominos using the linking cubes.
2. In addition they will form a Pentomino Puzzle by putting a group of pentominos together and tracing the outline only. They will share their puzzle and try to get other groups to figure out which Pentominos were put together to form the new shape.
3. Finally the groups will use their Pentominos to try and make a 6 x 10, 5 x 12, or 4 x 15 rectangle using all 12 Pentominos.
Instructional Plan:
Allow for exploration with the cubes. Students will be asked to explore as many ways as possible to connect 5 cubes. Once the students have had ample time begin checking for transformations or rotations. Show the students these and eliminate duplicates if needed.
Now the students will trace their 12 solutions onto graph paper to have as reference. Each child will then create a design puzzle using any of the 12 pentominos and trace only the outline of their design. The children will exchange papers and see if they can use their pentominos to create the design using only the outline. An extension to this would be to allow the children to play Katamino at any of the 6 levels suggested on the instruction sheet.
Assessment:
Students will be assessed on their ability to form a minimum of 6 pentominos, trace them onto graph paper and create a design outline using several of their pentominos. They will explain to the group how their Pentominos are different.
Resources: