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....
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Islamic Art and Geometric Design
After an overview of Islamic traditions and art, young artists create their own geometric shapes and patterns using only a straightedge and a compass.
Getting to Know
Shape and Form in Art
Introduce youngsters to the important role shape and form play in art with this extensive collection of activities and projects. From teaching first graders how to create mandalas to engaging third and fourth graders in the design...
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...
Exploratorium
The Four-Square Quilt
Youngsters recognize that triangles can be combined together to make various shapes. The learning activity provides a series of seven steps that engage children in applying transformations to triangles. Pupils use a quilt template and...
Curated OER
Math Challenges
Students engage their critical thinking skills to solve challenging math problems. In these problem solving lessons, student work with tessellations, weights/measurement, reasoning, surface area, geometric shapes, and algebraic procedures.
Noyce Foundation
Tri-Triangles
Develop an understanding of algebraic sequences through an exploration of patterns. Five leveled problems target grade levels from elementary through high school. Each problem asks young mathematicians to recognize a geometric pattern....
Curated OER
Math Challenges
Students participate in a series of challenging math lessons designed to engage their critical thinking skills. In these real-world problem solving lessons, student solve symmetry and repeated pattern problems, make lists/tables to...
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...
5280 Math
Polygon Polynomials
Patterns in polygons lead to patterns in polynomials. Presented with a series of polygons, individuals create polynomial expressions to represent their patterns. The algebra project consists of nine problems that incorporate polynomial...
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.
Rice University
Rice University: Cynthia Lanius: Rectangle Pattern Challenges
Students use rectangles to explore patterns. Once they understand the concept, students can create their own patterns for others to explore.
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....
Rice University
Rice University: Cynthia Lanius: No Matter What Shape Your Fractions Are In
Four basic geometric shapes - the triangle, parallelogram, trapezoid, and hexagon - are examined to determine how many of one shape fits "inside" another. For instance, how many triangles are "in" a hexagon. Ten questions with solutions...
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.
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.
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge: Nrich: Happy Halving
On this one page website expand your logic, symmetry and pattern recognition knowledge while working on this challenge. The solution is available to double check your solution.
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge: Nrich: Four Triangles Puzzle
Sharpen your logic and and pattern recognition skills with this four triangles puzzle. The solution is available to check your work.
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...
![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.
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge: Nrich: Symmetry Challenge
Sharpen your logic, symmetry, and pattern recognition skills while working on this challenge. Solution included.
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge: Nrich: Seven Sticks
On this one page website sharpen your logic, triangle properties, and pattern recognition skills while working on this challenge. The solution is available to double check your solution.
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge: Nrich: Making Squares
On this one page website sharpen your logic, spatial sense, and pattern recognition skills while working on this challenge. The solution is available to double check your solution.