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Middle School Math Moments
Pentomino Explorations
Middle School Math Moments
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Pentomino Explorations
Using pentominoes in my first math class of the year has been
very successful. It is a very
simple exploration, but it allows students to discuss, use
problem solving strategies, and get
to know their new classmates a little bit. The task requires
persistence and thinking, and they
really enjoy it. I have heard students leave the room saying
Wow, math is fun, or That was the best math class Ive ever had. The
great part about that fun is that they are having fun thinking and
solving a problem(which they dont seem to realize!)!
Ive used the activity with a very wide range of students and it
has quickly given me valuable information about my new students.
This type of problem solving is accessible to all
students, and provides a great opportunity for teachers to
observe whos willing to share ideas, who sits back and watches, how
students speak to each other, how well they can
verbalize their thoughts, and so on.
Since this is the first time they are working together in my
classroom, we begin by briefly
discussing that they should speak to one another politely and be
considerate of others ideas.
Directions (not many directions!):
1) Divide the students into groups of 3 or 4 (I prefer 3, but it
depends on how many sets of
pentominoes you have (or make).
2) Give students a set of pentominoes and a frame. I use a frame
so they have a specific
sized rectangle to fit the pentominoes into.
3) Explain that their goal is to piece the pentominoes together
to fit into the frame, with no
gaps and no pieces sticking out over the edges of the frame.
4) If groups finish, and depending upon time, groups can be
given a second set of
pentominoes with a different frame (the sets included here are
different sizes so that the
frames could fit on an 8.5 x 11 page. OR, finished group members
can help other groups.)
Making the Pentominoes
1) Copy the pentomino pieces onto cardstock, making as many sets
as you need (I have 12
sets), and laminate the cardstock.
You may want to make 4 or 5 of each type of set, so that theres
variation in the way the different groups will need to piece the
pentominoes together.
2) Cut out the individual pentomino pieces - there are 12 in
each set. OR, you can trace the pieces onto a thicker foam-type
material, if you have the desire 3) Frames can also be copied on
cardstock and laminated. Copy/make a frame for each
set of pentominoes you make.
Copyright 2014 Middle School Math Moments All rights reserved by
author. Permission to copy for single classroom use only.
Electronic distribution limited to single classroom use only. Not
for public display.
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Pentominoes
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Answer Key for 10 x 6 Frame
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Pentominoes
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Answer Key for 12 x 5 Frame
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Pentominoes
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Answer Key for 15 x 4 Frame
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Pentomino Reflection
1) What did you like about the pentomino activity?
_________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
2) What were your strengths in working with the pentominoes?
______________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
3) Describe the communication among your group members.
_______________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
4) Did you feel any frustration/have difficulty during this
activity? If so, why?
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Name ____________________
Pentomino Reflection
1) What did you like about the pentomino activity?
_________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
2) What were your strengths in working with the pentominoes?
______________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
3) Describe the communication among your group members.
_______________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
4) Did you feel any frustration/have difficulty during this
activity? If so, why?
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Name ____________________
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