Online Space Game Explores Transformations

Interested in some geometric transformation practice that is out-of-this-world? In TranStar, players reflect, rotate and translate, in order to move a shape through outer space. From the site:

"In each zone your goal is to guide TranStar from its starting position to the pulsating StarGate, so it can continue its journey. Each zone is populated by one or more space phenomena, such as Rifts, Vortices and Singularities. By clicking on these phenomena, you apply a different type of transformation to TranStar: Rifts reflect, Vortices rotate and Singularities enlarge. By using each of the phenomena wisely and together in the right combinations, you move TranStar until it matches the position, orientation and size of the StarGate."

Students may enjoy the challenge of this game after they work with the Calendar Grids in September Grade 5 or November Grade 4. If students find TranStar difficult, consider beginning with this Geometry Transformation workout.