NA2-8: Find rules for the next member in a sequential pattern.

Elaboration on this Achievement Objective:

This means students will explore sequential patterns, either spatial, for example, , ... or numeric, for example, 1, 3, 5, 7 ... A pattern has consistency so further terms of it can be anticipated from those already known. In spatial patterns students should be able to identify the repeating element, for example, in the pattern above, and use this to predict the shape in a given ordinal position, for example, the next shape is , the eleventh shape will be . For simple number patterns students should identify the consistent “gap” between the terms (for example, 1, 3, 5, 7... two is added each time), and use this additive difference to find further terms. Students should also develop their concept of relations between variables using spatial patterns that can be represented using numeric tables of values, for example, for this pattern, how many squares make 7 crosses?

Teaching resources for this Achievement Objective:

Pede Patterns

Units of Work
Number and Algebra
Level Two

This unit is about generating number patterns for certain ‘insects’ from the mythical planet of Elsinore. Each ‘Pede’ is made up of square parts and has a number of feet. The patterns range from counting by 2s and 3s to being the number of feet plus three.

Staircases

Units of Work
Number and Algebra
Level Two

In this unit students look for and describe the patterns they see in different types of staircases.

Letter Patterns

Units of Work
Number and Algebra
Level Two

In this unit we look at the number patterns we get from letters and numbers. We keep track of the numbers involved by drawing up a table of values. It’s important here to look for the pattern and see how the number of tiles changes from letter to letter.

Supermarket Displays

Units of Work
Number and Algebra
Level Two

In this unit the students look at the number patterns created when tins are stacked in different arrangements. The aim of the unit is for students to keep track of the numbers involved by drawing up a table of values. They are then encouraged to look for patterns in the numbers.

Taxi fare

Problem solving activities
Number and Algebra
Level Two

Count in twos using odd numbers

Describe a repeating number pattern

Treasure to ship

Problem solving activities
Number and Algebra
Level Two

Use equipment to work out a problem

Make and describe a repeating pattern to solve a problem

Devise and use problem solving strategies to explore situations mathematically

Cannon balls

Problem solving activities
Number and Algebra
Level Two

Identify a pattern and describe this using their own words

Use equipment appropriately when exploring mathematical ideas; devise and use problem solving strategies to explore situations mathematically (guess and check, make an list).

Jo's table

Problem solving activities
Number and Algebra
Level Two

Continue patterns

Describe number patterns

Devise and use problem solving strategies (guess and check, make a table, look for patterns)