Pentominoes is a shape consisting of five squares adjoined by the edge of each square. A lesson to allow students to problem solve on creating pentominoes.
A pentominoe is a geometric shape consisting of five congruent squares which are attached via one edge. There are a total of 12 pentominoes and each is named after a letter. The mnemonic for the 12 letters are Flip N tuvwxyz.
Pentominoes Lesson Plan
1. Begin the class by showing the class a dominoe. Many students will have seen a dominoe before and some may have played the game. Ask them to describe the dominoe and write their words on the blackboard. The purpose is to have students describe the shape and identify there are two squares joined by one edge. You may need to prompt but only after all students have shared their description of the dominoe.
2. After all words are on the board, circle the words square and any words relating to how they are joined. Write the word Polyomino on the board and tell the students this is a general name given to shapes that are made by joining squares together by their edge.
3. Underline the word dominoe and ask how many squares are joined together by their edge. Begin to chart a list with the name of the polyomino and the number of squares needed to make the shape. Dominoe is placed in the chart.
4. Write the words monominoes, triominoes, tetrominoes, and pentominoes on the board. Ask the students to predict how many squares are required to make the shape. Monominoes are created with 1 square, dominoes; 2 squares, triominoes; 3 squares, tetrominoes, 4 squares, and pentominoes; 5 squares.
5. Ask students to copy the chart in their math notebooks and draw a picture for each polyominioes. As well, students will identify the different shapes that can be created for each of the five polyominoes. Students cannot count reflections (mirror images) or rotated shapes as a different shape. Model the first four polyominioes to the class and how to join the squares together. Ask students questions as you are creating the different shapes. Have students in groups create the 12 shapes for the pentominoes. Each group will draw their shapes on large graph paper and present to the class.
Monominoes= 1 square= 1 shape
Dominoes= 2 squares= 1 shape
Triominoes= 3 squares= 2 shapes
Tetromoinoes= 4 squares= 5 shapes
Pentominoes= 5 squares= 12 shapes
6. After all 12 shapes are created; show the students your completed graph with all of the pentominoes, labeled with; F l i P N t u v w x y z. Students in their groups are to print the appropriate letter for each of their shapes.
For the next class have student create their own pentominoes to be used in future math activities or print off the pentominoes at scholastic. It is best to have students color the pentominoes in different colors and then laminate for longer wear.
