STEAM Unit: Tangram Algorithms

View Curriculum Codes

Description

In this activity, students build on what they have already learned about coding by creating algorithms for a partner to replicate tangram puzzles.

When they experience difficulty, they will learn how important it is to keep the rules straightforward and precise.

This activity is designed as a follow up to some of the other unplugged coding activities, which will give your students some background in algorithms and coding. These activities can be bundled as a group to help set the groundwork for other coding activities.

Suitable for

Relief Teachers
Parents

Lesson Structure

Individual Activity
Rotations / Group Work

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Curriculum Codes

AC9TDI2P02 9

Follow and describe algorithms involving a sequence of steps, branching (decisions) and iteration (repetition)

AC9TDI4P01 9

Define problems with given design criteria and by co-creating user stories

AC9M4SP01 9

Represent and approximate composite shapes and objects in the environment, using combinations of familiar shapes and objects

AC9TDI4P02 9

Follow and describe algorithms involving sequencing, comparison operators (branching) and iteration

AC9TDI6P02 9

Design algorithms involving multiple alternatives (branching) and iteration

AC9AVA4C01 9

Use visual conventions, visual arts processes and materials to create artworks that communicate ideas, perspectives and/or meaning

AC9M2SP01 9

Recognise, compare and classify shapes, referencing the number of sides and using spatial terms such as “opposite”, “parallel”, “curved” and “straight”

ACMMG088 8.4

Compare and describe two dimensional shapes that result from combining and splitting common shapes, with and without the use of digital technologies

ACTDIP004 8.4

Follow, describe and represent a sequence of steps and decisions (algorithms) needed to solve simple problems

ACAVAM107 8.4

Use and experiment with different materials, techniques, technologies and processes to make artworks

ACMMG042 8.4

Describe and draw two-dimensional shapes, with and without digital technologies

ACTDIP010 8.4

Define simple problems, and describe and follow a sequence of steps and decisions (algorithms) needed to solve them

ACTDIP019 8.4

Design, modify and follow simple algorithms involving sequences of steps, branching, and iteration (repetition)

ACAVAM111 8.4

Use materials, techniques and processes to explore visual conventions when making artworks

ST1-11DI-T old

Identifies the components of digital systems and explores how data is represented

ST3-11DI-T old

Explains how digital systems represent data, connect together to form networks and transmit data

ST3-3DP-T old

Defines problems, and designs, modifies and follows algorithms to develop solutions

MA1-1WM old

Describes mathematical situations and methods using everyday and some mathematical language, actions, materials, diagrams and symbols

MA1-14MG old

Sorts, describes, represents and recognises familiar three-dimensional objects, including cones, cubes, cylinders, spheres and prisms

MA1-3WM old

Supports conclusions by explaining or demonstrating how answers were obtained

MA1-15MG old

Manipulates, sorts, represents, describes and explores two- dimensional shapes, including quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons and octagons

ST3-2DP-T old

Plans and uses materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity

ST2-11DI-T old

Describes how digital systems represent and transmit data

ST2-3DP-T old

Defines problems, describes and follows algorithms to develop solutions

ST2-2DP-T old

Selects and uses materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity

ST2-1WS-S old

Questions, plans and conducts scientific investigations, collects and summarises data and communicates using scientific representations

ST1-3DP-T old

Describes, follows and represents algorithms to solve problems

MA2-1WM old

Uses appropriate terminology to describe, and symbols to represent, mathematical ideas

MA2-2WM old

Selects and uses appropriate mental or written strategies, or technology, to solve problems

MA2-3WM old

Checks the accuracy of a statement and explains the reasoning used

MA2-15MG old

Manipulates, identifies and sketches two- dimensional shapes, including special quadrilaterals, and describes their features

ST1-2DP-T old

Uses materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity

STe-7DI-T old

Identifies digital systems and explores how instructions are used to control digital devices

STe-2DP-T old

Develops solutions to an identified need

MA2-3DS-02 new

Estimates, measures and compares capacities (internal volumes) using litres, millilitres and volumes using cubic centimetres

MA1-3DS-01 new

Recognises, describes and represents familiar three-dimensional objects

MA1-2DS-01 new

Recognises, describes and represents shapes including quadrilaterals and other common polygons

MA2-2DS-01 new

Compares two-dimensional shapes and describes their features

MA2-2DS-02 new

Performs transformations by combining and splitting two-dimensional shapes

MA2-2DS-03 new

Estimates, measures and compares areas using square centimetres and square metres

MA2-3DS-01 new

Makes and sketches models and nets of three-dimensional objects including prisms and pyramids

VCMMG171

Explain and compare the geometric properties of two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional objects

VCDTCD017

Follow, describe and represent a sequence of steps and decisions (algorithms) needed to solve simple problems

VCDTCD023

Define simple problems, and describe and follow a sequence of steps and decisions involving branching and user input (algorithms) needed to solve them

VCMMG170

Compare and describe two dimensional shapes that result from combining and splitting common shapes, with and without the use of digital technologies

VCMMG121

Describe the features of three-dimensional objects

VCDTCD032

Design, modify and follow simple algorithms represented diagrammatically and in English, involving sequences of steps, branching, and iteration

VCMMG120

Describe and draw two-dimensional shapes, with and without digital technologies

VCAVAV026

Explore visual conventions and use materials, techniques, technologies and processes specific to particular art forms, and to make artworks

Differentiation

Modifications

With younger kids, or a smaller group that needs support, you can be the one who gives the directions in the algorithm activity, so that they can experience what it would be like.

EXTENSIONS

You will find an attached worksheet in this activity pack that will help older students consolidate some of the ideas you have covered. Alternatively, (or for younger students) you can try some other tangram puzzles from Teach This, available here

Linked Resources & Worksheets