EngageNY
Recursive Formulas for Sequences
Provide Algebra I learners with a logical approach to making connections between the types of sequences and formulas with a lesson that uses what class members know about explicit formulas to develop an understanding of recursive formulas.
Curated OER
Solving a Legend- Exponents, Recursive and Explicit Equations.
Eighth graders play a game to solve problems. In this exponents and scientific notations lesson, 8th graders play a game in small groups to move colored disks from location A to location C. Students identify recursive patterns to solve...
Curated OER
Toothpick Triangles
Explore patterns, variables, and mathematical relationships when you examine patterns with toothpicks and determine the next sequence of figures. Your class writes and justifies a formula based on the sequence. An answer key is included.
K20 LEARN
Didn’t We Already Learn That Pattern? Functions/Arithmetic Sequences
Just how many toothpicks does the pattern take? After watching a video of someone building a pattern with toothpicks, groups create methods to find the number of toothpicks needed to accomplish that task. Groups either use explicit...
Curated OER
Exploring Pascal's Triangle and Other Recursive Patterns
Students explore patterns in everyday life and in the mathematic world. They create various concrete examples of patterns and verbally describe these patterns to a fellow student.
Kenan Fellows
Dinner Party: Using Pattern Trains to Demonstrate Linear Functions
Nothing fancy here ... just your run-of-the-mill Algebra party! Learners explore the patterns of linear functions while designing seating arrangements for a dinner party. Comparing the number of tables to the perimeter of the combined...
Curated OER
Introduction to Fractals: Infinity, Self-Similarity and Recursion
Students think about several of the concepts from fractals, including recursion and self similarity. They use mathematical concepts of line segments, perimeter, area and infinity are used, and skill at pattern recognition is practiced.
Curated OER
Tile Patterns that Grow
Students explore how a pattern built with square tiles grows and describe the change from stage to stage. They predict later stages of a tile design sequence and create math equations related to the growth of tile designs.
Curated OER
Amazing Fibonacci
Students integrate the patterns of Fibonacci into music. For this geometry lesson, students apply the concepts of recursion, pattern and Phi or Golden Ratio to composing and playing music on various instruments. They lesson is co-taught...
EngageNY
Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences
Arithmetic and geometric sequences are linear and geometric patterns. Help pupils understand the relationship and see the connection with an activity that asks them to write the rules and classify the patterns correctly. A sorting...
Curated OER
Introduction to Fractals: Geometric Fractals
Students study and observe the patterns made by the areas of the Sierpinski Triangle. Students use the computer to draw two or three iterations to discover the number patterns. Students complete worksheets based on Geometric Fractals.
Curated OER
Finding Patterns in Tiles
Learners explore perimeter and area of rectangles. In this rectangular lesson, students use tiles to discover the formulas for perimeter and area. Learners solve for area.
Curated OER
Susita's Account
Your algebra students double their money monthly in this task based on a checking account balance. Learners write an equation to model the situation and then use their model to answer contextual questions.
EngageNY
Algebraic Expressions—The Distributive Property
Do your classes truly understand the distributive property? Use a demonstrative lesson to represent the distributive property in various ways. Learners solidify understanding by creating a geometric pattern for distributive property, and...
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Geometric Sequences
Place a instructional activity on sequences in your sequence of lessons. Scholars first learn the basics of geometric sequences, such as common ratios and then they write recursive and explicit formulas for geometric sequences.
Curated OER
Introduction to Fractals: Infinity, Self-Similarity and Recursion.
This instructional activity introduces students to the ideas involved in understanding fractals. They develop a sense of infinity, self-similarity and recursion and
Curated OER
Matchstick Math: Using Manipulatives to Model Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Functions
Playing with matches (unlit, of course) becomes an engaging learning experience in this fun instructional unit. Teach pupils how to apply properties of exponential functions to solve problems. They differentiate between quadratic and...
Curated OER
Curses and Re-Curses! It's Happening Again.
Students study basic recursion by exploring patterns in the data they generate from two simple probability-based experiments. In the first, students flip a coin to discover how many times they must flip it before it lands on "heads."...
Curated OER
Introduction to Fractals: Geometric Fractals
Students explore the concept of fractals. In this fractals instructional activity, students discuss Sierpinski's Triangle using an applet. Students discuss the patterns involved with fractals. Students discuss the area of Sierpinski's...
Willow Tree
Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences
Old mathematicians never die; they just lose some of their functions. Studying sequences gives scholars an opportunity to use a new notation. Learners write functions to model arithmetic and geometric sequences and use them to find new...
Curated OER
Marcy's Dots
Young scholars identify the pattern changes that could occur in a series using pictures with dots. They use the patterns on the worksheets to have a context to describe pattern in words. Students look to find the linear, quadratic, or...
Curated OER
Irregular Fractals
Middle schoolers study and research irregular fractals and construct a few based on their research. Students practice pattern recognition skills and plane geometry skills calculating dimensions on the Fractured Pictures activity.
Shodor Education Foundation
An Introduction to Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences
Help your class look for patterns as they create their own arithmetic and geometric sequences. Engage learners with an introductory discussion on sequences and use the applet to let them explore how sequences are formed. Teachers might...
Curated OER
The Mandelbrot Set
Students are introduced to the notion of a complex number and function iteration in order to motivate the discussion of Julia sets and the Mandelbrot set.