• Journal for History of Mathematics
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.57-72
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• 2007

Recently, dissection puzzles such as pentominoes have been used in mathematics education. But they are not actively applicable as a tool of problem solving or introducing mathematical concepts since researches about the historical background and developments of mathematical applications of such puzzles have not been effectively accomplished. In this article, in order to use pentominoes in mathematical teaming effectively, we first investigate geometric problems related to dissection puzzles and the historic background of development of pentominoes. And then we collect and classify data related to pentomino activities which can be applicable to mathematics classes based on the 7th elementary school national curriculum. Finally, we suggest several basic materials and directions to develop more systematic learning materials about pentominoes.