Curated OER
Tile Patterns I: Octagons and Squares
This can be used as a critical thinking exercise in congruence or as a teaching tool when first introducing the concept. Four octagons are arranged in such a way that a square is formed in the middle. With this information, geometry...
Illustrative Mathematics
Hexagonal Pattern of Beehives
Young geometers and biologists investigate the math of nature in an activity that is just the bee's knees. Participants will study the tessellations of hexagons in a beehive, along with the natural rationale behind the specific shape....
Curated OER
Tile Patterns II: Hexagons
After learning that the sum of interior angles for triangles is 108 degrees, take it further to show that the sum of angles in any polygon is the same! Using hexagons, pupils practice finding the measure of the six congruent angles. Make...
Illustrative Mathematics
Grandfather Tang's Story
It's amazing the complex figures that can be made using only a few simple shapes. Following a class reading of the children's book Grandfather Tang's Story by Ann Tompert, young mathematicians use sets of tangrams to create models...
Teach Engineering
Straw Bridges
Pairs work as engineering teams to design and build model bridges from drinking straws and tape. In this third segment in a series of 10, teams compete in an attempt to build the strongest bridge. To help with the design, the groups...
Teach Engineering
Build the Biggest Box
Boxing takes on a whole new meaning! The second installment of the three-part series has groups create lidless boxes from construction paper that can hold the most rice. After testing out their constructions, they build a new box....
Scholastic
Scholastic: Max's Math Adventures: Max's Fantastical Zoo
Use this rhyming description of Max's Fantastical Zoo to make some amazing animals from geometric shapes. There is a teacher's guide for easy lesson planning.
Other
Interactive Pattern Blocks
A colorful, engaging site where students can manipulate pattern blocks to create patterns or pictures. Included in the detailed directions are possible activities and a feature that allows you to email your patterns to a friend.
![Houghton Mifflin Harcourt: Saxon Activity Center Real World Investigation: The Geometry of Quilts [Pdf] Activity](https://d15y2dacu3jp90.cloudfront.net/images/attachment_defaults/resource/large/FPO-knovation.png "Houghton Mifflin Harcourt: Saxon Activity Center Real World Investigation: The Geometry of Quilts [Pdf] Activity")
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt: Saxon Activity Center Real World Investigation: The Geometry of Quilts [Pdf]
Investigating designs and shapes in quilts around the world is the activity in this internet exploration. Learners will also design their own quilt on paper or on the computer. Acrobat Reader required.
Beacon Learning Center
Beacon Learning Center: Wrapping Paper Patterns
Students explore slides, flips, and turns in this interactive web lesson.
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge: Nrich: Where Are They?
Test your logic, polygon properties, and pattern recognition skills working on this challenge. Solution included.
Maths Challenge
Maths challenge.net: Perimeter Sequence
A "one star" geometry problem that requires finding the visual pattern and applying logic with basic math skills to find the perimeter from the sequence.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Do It Yourself Patchwork Gifts
Students will sharpen their geometry skills when they make these holiday gifts. This site offers hands-on activities with geometry skills interwoven.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
The Math Forum: Line Symmetry
This site from The Math Forum is a great site if you are looking for activities to engage your students in learning about line symmetry. Peruse this collection of activities for one or two or four that would be right for your students....
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Nctm: Figure This: Table for 19 (Pdf)
The waiters at Polygon's Restaurant need your help. See if you can use your problem solving and patterning skills to help them solve this math challenge. Discover how developing these skills could be useful in real life situations, in...
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
The Math Forum: Rotational Symmetry
This is a good site for elementary teachers to help educate students about symmetry by using pattern blocks. This link has multiple activities that the instructor could use including technological and standard activities.
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge: Nrich: Little Squares
What are square numbers? Use tiles at this one page website to discover the pattern of square numbers. See if you can solve the challenge. Once you have your solution you can check the solution given right at the website.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Nctm: Figure This: Envelopes
Explore tessellations with real world applications in this activity from the NCTM Math Challenges for Families series. Figure out what shape you would use to create a legal envelope from a single sheet of paper. Then discover how...
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Nctm: Figure This: A Shard or Two
Archaeologists have just uncovered an ancient plate. They need your help to determine the original size of the plate. Try this challenge where you use concepts of symmetry and estimation to uncover the solution. An activity from the NCTM...