Tantalizing Tangrams
| Name: |
Long A. Quach |
| School: |
Public School 35X |
| Address: |
261 East 163rd Street |
| City: |
Bronx, NY, 10451 |
| Original Project: |
Tantalizing Tangrams |
| Author: |
Carolyn Hornik |
| URL: |
http://teachersnetwork.org/teachnet-lab/ps101/chornik/tangramindex.htm |
How did you modify this unit for use in your own classroom?: The lessons in this unit were implemented during the month of February--the period in which the Chinese New Year was celebrated. In addition to the (extra) time allotted for exploring and creating shapes/animals, students also applied their logical thinking skills and spatial relationships through chess.
List your primary instructional objectives for your students.
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Use logical/spatial relationship skills |
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Demonstrate an understanding of mathematics terms (geometry) |
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Create puzzles of animals based on the 12-animals cycle of the Lunar Calendar |
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What role did technology play in this curriculum unit?: Students searched the web for information--history, beliefs,etc.--pertaining to the Chinese New Year. Web sites used included: http://history.com/minisite.do?content_type=mini_home&mini_id=53324 http://c-c-c.org/chineseculture/zodiac/zodiac.html http://c-c-c.org/culture-resources
How did you assess and evaluate student performance?: Students were assessed through hands-on as well as writing -based activities; the activities involved students to work individually and peer-to-peer.
Please tell us briefly about your background & teaching experience: Ms. Quach has been an appointed teacher for over ten years for the Department of Education of the City of New York. Ms. Quach has completed a dual major in mathematics and elementary education and has done post graduate work in education.
What are your recommendations for other teachers interested in adapting this unit?: This unit would be excellent for the January/ February period since the Lunar New Year is celebrated during such time. Various objects and/or paper-foldings are readily available and can be obtained to complement the implementation of the unit.
Samples of Student Projects
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Animals (12) from the Chinese calendar with their corresponding characteristic traits. |
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Celebration of the Chinese New Year 2007. |
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Student's version of the ox for his birth year. |
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