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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Chairs around the table

http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L627

A lesson plan for grades 3–5 Mathematics

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In this lesson, students investigate the number of chairs that can be placed around an arrangement of square tables. Students explore three different linear patterns, which allow students to determine a solution in multiple ways and develop an intuitive understanding of perimeter. Illuminations provides detailed instructions for completing the lesson.

Students will:

  • Identify and extend a linear pattern involving the number of chairs that can be placed around a series of square tables.
  • Describe linear patterns using words or symbols.

NCTM Standards and Expectations:

  • Describe, extend, and make generalizations about geometric and numeric patterns.
  • Represent and analyze patterns and functions, using words, tables, and graphs.
  • Express mathematical relationships using equations.
  • Represent the idea of a variable as an unknown quantity using a letter or a symbol.
  • Identify and describe situations with constant or varying rates of change and compare them.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Mathematics (2004)

Grade 3

  • Goal 5: Algebra - The learner will recognize, determine, and represent patterns and simple mathematical relationships.

Grade 4

  • Goal 5: Algebra - The learner will demonstrate an understanding of mathematical relationships.
    • Objective 5.01: Identify, describe, and generalize relationships in which:
      • Quantities change proportionally.
      • Change in one quantity relates to change in a second quantity.

Grade 5

  • Goal 5: Algebra - The learner will demonstrate an understanding of patterns, relationships, and elementary algebraic representation.
    • Objective 5.01: Describe, extend, and generalize numeric and geometric patterns using tables, graphs, words, and symbols.
    • Objective 5.02: Use algebraic expressions, patterns, and one-step equations and inequalities to solve problems.