Building all Pentominoes

Goal of Activity:

To determine the number of unique pentominoes (arrangements of 5 squares).  

Directions:

Using either the tiles you were given in class or the applet below, spend no more than 20 minutes exploring and recording the possible arrangements of 5 squares (these are called pentominoes.)  You will need to keep a record of your findings.  

Use the grid paper distributed in class or click here to download and print more grid paper.

To use the applet, pull squares off of each stack by dragging the red point in the middle of the square.  NOTE: You can use any combination of colors to help you keep track of your findings. 

Whether you use the applet or the tiles, be sure to keep a written record of your findings for further discussion in the journal response that follows.  Get as far as you can in the 20 minutes we’re asking you to spend on this exploration then go to journal to capture your current thinking.

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