• Journal of Gifted/Talented Education
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.37-57
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• 2017

In terms of making more various geometrical figures than existing Tangram, Sphinx Puzzle has been used as a material for the gifted education. The main research subject of this paper is to verify how many convex polygons can be made by all pieces of a Sphinx Puzzle. There are several previous researches which dealt with this research subject, but they did not account for the clear reasons on the elementary level. In this thesis, I suggest using unit area and minimum area which can be proved on the elementary levels to account for this research subject. Also, I composed the program for the mathematically gifted elementary students, regarding the subject. I figured out whether they can make the mathematical justifications. I applied this program for three 6th grade students who are in the gifted class of the G district office of education. As a consequence, I found that it is possible for some mathematically gifted elementary students to justify that the number of convex polygons that can be made by a Sphinx Puzzle is at best 27 on elementary level.

• Journal of Elementary Mathematics Education in Korea
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.165-184
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• 2013

In order to utilize Sphinx Puzzle in shape education or deductive reasoning, a lesson employing Dienes' six-stage theory of learning mathematics was structured to be applied to students of 6th grade of elementary school. 4 students of 6th grade of elementary school, the researcher's current workplace, were selected as subjects. The academic achievement level of 4 subjects range across top to medium, who are generally enthusiastic and hardworking in learning activities. During the 3 lessons, the researcher played role as the guide and observer, recorded observation, collected activity sheet written by subjects, presentation materials, essays on the experience, interview data, and analyzed them to the detail. A task of finding every possible triangle out of pieces of Sphinx Puzzle was given, and until 6 steps of formalization was set, students' attitude to find a better way of mathematical deduction, especially that of operational thinking and deductive thinking, was carefully observed and analyzed.

• Journal of Educational Research in Mathematics
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.391-405
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• 2008

There are some studies on tangram a kind of jigsaw(silhouette or dissection) puzzle. And Korean national curriculums mention about tangram. But the past studies and the textbooks are not so related to curriculums. So this study is focused on some problems and limitations of tangram activities related to curriculum. This study gives some educational suggestions using tangram: (1) alternate drawing of tangram (2) making mathematical figures instead of shapes (3) proper activities related to the national curriculum (especially, polygons and angles) and mathematical thinking (4) examples of exploring mathematical figures and angles coming in and out of national curriculum In addition to, this study suggests some mathematical activities of using similar tangrams (especially sphinx puzzle).