F 1 2 3 4 5 6 Primary + Unit Plans STEAM Unit Plans The Arts Shape Technologies STEAM 8 Pages

STEAM Unit: Tangram Algorithms

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.

Learning goals

We are learning to use features to describe and draw two-dimensional shapes.
We are learning to combine and split composite shapes to identify the common two-dimensional shapes.
We are learning to follow, describe and represent a sequence of steps and decisions (algorithms) needed to solve simple problems.
We are learning to define simple problems and describe and follow a sequence of steps and decisions (algorithms) needed to solve them.
We are learning to design, modify and follow simple algorithms involving sequences of steps, branching and iteration (repetition).
We are learning to follow and describe algorithms.
We are learning to recognise, compare and classify shapes and objects using obvious features and spatial terms, e.g. opposite, parallel, curved, straight.
We are learning to define problems using design criteria and by co-creating user stories.
We are learning to follow and describe algorithms involving sequencing, comparison operators (branching) and iteration.
We are learning to combine and split composite shapes to identify the common shapes and objects.
We are learning to design algorithms involving multiple branching and iteration.
Experiment with visual conventions and techniques to create artworks.

Curriculum alignment

AC9AVA4C01 9

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

AC9TDI6P02 9

Design algorithms involving multiple alternatives (branching) and iteration

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

AC9TDI4P01 9

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

AC9M2SP01 9 Recognise, compare and classify shapes, referencing the number of sides and using spatial terms such as “opposite”, “parallel”, “curved” and “straight” AC9TDI2P02 9

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

ACMMG042 8.4 Describe and draw two-dimensional shapes, with and without digital technologies 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 ACTDIP010 8.4

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

ACAVAM111 8.4 Use materials, techniques and processes to explore visual conventions when making artworks ACTDIP019 8.4

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

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 ST1-2DP-T old Uses materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity MA1-15MG old Manipulates, sorts, represents, describes and explores two- dimensional shapes, including quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons and octagons 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 MA1-1WM old Describes mathematical situations and methods using everyday and some mathematical language, actions, materials, diagrams and symbols 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 ST1-11DI-T old Identifies the components of digital systems and explores how data is represented 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 ST2-2DP-T old Selects and uses materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity ST2-3DP-T old Defines problems, describes and follows algorithms to develop solutions ST2-11DI-T old Describes how digital systems represent and transmit data ST3-2DP-T old Plans and uses materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity ST3-3DP-T old Defines problems, and designs, modifies and follows algorithms to develop solutions ST3-11DI-T old Explains how digital systems represent data, connect together to form networks and transmit data MA2-3DS-02 new Estimates, measures and compares capacities (internal volumes) using litres, millilitres and volumes using cubic centimetres MA1-2DS-01 new Recognises, describes and represents shapes including quadrilaterals and other common polygons MA1-3DS-01 new Recognises, describes and represents familiar three-dimensional objects 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

VCDTCD017 Follow, describe and represent a sequence of steps and decisions (algorithms) needed to solve simple problems 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 VCMMG121 Describe the features of three-dimensional objects 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 VCMMG171 Explain and compare the geometric properties of two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional objects VCDTCD032 Design, modify and follow simple algorithms represented diagrammatically and in English, involving sequences of steps, branching, and iteration

Australian Curriculum covers QLD / SA / WA / NT / TAS / ACT.

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

Finding related resources…

Linked resources & worksheets

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