Analyzing numeric and geometric patterns of paper pool: Overview
http://illuminations.nctm.org/index_o.aspx?id=125
A lesson plan for grades 6–8 Mathematics
This page provides an overview of a four-lesson Illuminations unit plan titled “Analyzing Numeric and Geometric Patterns of Paper Pool.” The interactive paper pool game in this unit plan provides an opportunity for students to further develop their understanding of ratio, proportion, and least common multiple. This investigation includes student resources for the Paper Pool project, preparation notes, answers, and a holistic-by-category scoring rubric with guidelines for how it can be used to assess the project. Samples of two students’ work and comments from a teacher accompany the suggested rubric.
This resource references the Illuminations lessons titled “Paper Pool Game,” “Explore More Tables,” “Look for Patterns,” and “Go the Distance.”
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
Mathematics (2004)
Grade 6
- Goal 4: Data Analysis and Probability - The learner will understand and determine probabilities.
- Objective 4.02: Use a sample space to determine the probability of an event.
- Objective 4.03: Conduct experiments involving simple and compound events.
- Objective 4.04: Determine and compare experimental and theoretical probabilities for simple and compound events.
Grade 7
- Goal 4: Data Analysis and Probability - The learner will understand and use graphs and data analysis.
- Objective 4.01: Collect, organize, analyze, and display data (including box plots and histograms) to solve problems.
Grade 8
- Goal 4: Data Analysis and Probability - The learner will understand and use graphs and data analysis.
- Objective 4.01: Collect, organize, analyze, and display data (including scatterplots) to solve problems.
- Objective 4.02: Approximate a line of best fit for a given scatterplot; explain the meaning of the line as it relates to the problem and make predictions.



