Creating, describing, and analyzing patterns to recognize relationships and make predictions
http://www.nctm.org/standards/content.aspx?id=26866&menu_id=1155
A lesson plan for grades K–2 Mathematics
This three-part example from Illuminations highlights different aspects of students’ understanding and use of patterns as they analyze relationships and make predictions, as discussed in the Algebra Standard.
The first part, Making Patterns, includes an interactive figure for creating, comparing, and viewing multiple repetitions of patterns. The interactive figure illustrates how students can create pattern units of squares, then predict how patterns with different numbers of squares will appear when repeated in a grid, and check their predictions.
In the second part, Describing Patterns, examples of various ways students might interpret the same sequence of cubes are given. This illustrates the importance of discussing and analyzing patterns in the classroom.
The third part, Extending Pattern Understandings, demonstrates ways in which students begin to create a “unit of units,” or a grouping that can be repeated, and begin to relate two patterns in a functional relationship.
E-Math Investigations are selected e-examples from the electronic version of the Principles and Standards of School Mathematics (PSSM). The e-examples are part of the electronic version of the PSSM document. Given their interactive nature and focused discussion tied to the PSSM document, the e-examples are natural companions to the i-Math investigations.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
Mathematics (2004)
Grade 1
- Goal 5: Algebra - The learner will demonstrate an understanding of classification and patterning.
- Objective 5.03: Create and extend patterns, identify the pattern unit, and translate into other forms.
Grade 2
- Goal 5: Algebra - The learner will recognize and represent patterns and simple mathematical relationships.
- Objective 5.01: Identify, describe, translate, and extend repeating and growing patterns.
Kindergarten
- Goal 5: Algebra - The learner will model simple patterns and sort objects.
- Objective 5.02: Create and extend patterns with actions, words, and objects.
