5280 Math
Decimal Patterns
Find patterns in the process instead of the result. Learners convert series of decimals and fractions identifying patterns along the way. The lesson includes nine problem tasks with progressively more involved patterns.
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...
Noyce Foundation
Between the Lines
Explore linear and square dimensions by comparing areas of similar figures. A creative set of five activities designed for elementary through high school classes asks young scholars to compare areas of specific polygons. The first two...
Illustrative Mathematics
Complex number patterns
Start off with the definition of the imaginary number i, then have your class practice simplifying expressions involving powers of i and look for patterns. See how the cyclic nature of powers of i translate to sums of powers of i.
Education Development Center
Writing Numerical Expressions—Hexagon Tables
Explore a basic pattern to practice writing expressions. In collaborative groups, learners examine a contextual pattern and write an expression to model it. The task encourages groups to describe the pattern in multiple ways.
Illustrative Mathematics
Kitchen Floor Tiles
An interesting way to look at the kitchen floor is to count the number of tiles in the border. Fred starts with four white floor tiles and writes an expression for the number of tiles needed for the colored border. Algebra learners are...
Illustrative Mathematics
Seven to the What?!?
Sometimes what seems like the easiest problem is really the most difficult. Your class is first going to reach for their calculators, but will realize the number is too large to evaluate. Now what? This is where the fun and the...
5280 Math
Multiplication Table Algebra
Patterns, patterns, everywhere! Young scholars examine the multiplication table to identify patterns. Their exploration leads to an understanding of the difference of squares and sum of cubes by the completion of the algebra project.
Oregon Department of Education
Building Number Sense
It's never too early to begin a child's math education. This collection of fun hands-on activities engage youngsters in building their number sense as they learn how to count objects, identify numerals, compare amounts, and much more.
Curated OER
Equal Differences Over Equal Intervals 2
Your algebra learners explore linear functions concretely using tables of values in a collaborative task. The idea that linear function values change by equal differences over equal intervals, is emphasized. The slope and...
Education Development Center
Integer Combinations—Postage Stamps Problem (MS Version)
Number patterns can seem mysterious. Help your learners unravel these mysteries as they complete an intriguing task. Through examination, collaborative groups determine that they are able to produce all integers above a certain...
Education Development Center
Consecutive Sums
Evaluate patterns of numbers through an engaging task. Scholars work collaboratively to determine a general rule reflecting the sum of consecutive positive integers. Multiple patterns emerge as learners explore different arrangements.
Illustrative Mathematics
Number of the Day
Daily routines not only help to manage classrooms, they can also provide students with rich opportunities for learning. This activity supports young learners in developing their number sense by counting up the school days on a class...
Illustrative Mathematics
Eight Circles
We are used to finding the area of a circle by plugging the radius into an equation. Here, learners are required to go further to find multiple areas and calculate the difference. They must detect a pattern in order to figure out the...
Illustrative Mathematics
Shape Sequence Search
Learning that size and orientation don't affect the classification of shapes is a big step for young mathematicians. Support children with developing this key understanding by looking at the array of shapes included in this resource. For...
Scholastic
Literacy Activities for Any Time
As the title suggests, this packet is loaded with activities that can be used at any time. The common element in all the exercises is that they are connected to books by Dr. Seuss.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Patterns in Mathematics: People Patterns
This interactive website offers young students an opportunity to discover the pattern and predict who will come next. Feedback and guidance are given for each response. It also offers three increasingly difficult levels that are available.
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge: Nrich: Mathemagician's Seven Spells
See if you can find the pattern in the sequence of numbers that will break the Mathemagician's spell. The solution is available at this one page website. After you find your solution you can check it.
Other
Math Stories: Finding a Pattern
At this one page site, you can work through step by step a sample problem that illustrates the problem-solving strategy for "identify a pattern." The answer is right there to help you check your thinking.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Nctm: Figure This: Fractals
Can you figure out what pattern comes next? Explore patterns and perimeter in this math challenge on fractals. A one page activity from the NCTM Math Challenges for Families collection.
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...
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge: Nrich: Ice Cream
Sharpen your logic and pattern creation skills performing this fun game. Includes solution.
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge: Nrich: Star Find
This one page website offers two interesting tiling problems. The solution is provided here as well.