Computational Thinking - Tangram Algorithms

This activity supports the development of a range of Computational Thinking skills such as decomposition, pattern recognition, algorithmic thinking and logical reasoning.

Students learn what a tangram is and practice making different designs. This helps them recognize patterns in how shapes fit together and identify similarities between different configurations, allowing them to develop the ability to see connections and common structures, a key part of computational thinking. Tangram puzzles often require trial and error. This iterative process, where you make adjustments based on feedback, mirrors the approach used in debugging code or refining algorithms.

Students are also introduced to screen coordinates and practice following algorithms including coordinates to draw tangram designs. Students then use their own tangram designs and write their own algorithms using coordinates that other people can follow.