Patterns

Designed by:  Jeanna Hoffman and Christi Jones
Satchel Ford Elementary School  

Grade Level:  Second          Subject:  Math

1) Core Curriculum Objective:  Identify, describe, copy, extend, and create a pattern using objects, numbers, and technology to make predictions. (2PF1-2)  (This lesson focuses on using objects to identify, describe, copy, extend, and create patterns.)

2) Overview:  After identifying and describing patterns using a pattern block web page, students will use Unifix cubes and pattern blocks to copy, extend, and create patterns.  Students will find examples of patterns in their world.  Students will use pattern blocks to create their own patterns and transfer them to paper.  Students will write a description of their patterns.

3) Focus Question:  How do you make patterns?

4) Time Frame:  two 55-minute class periods

5) Resources/Materials:   pattern blocks

Unifix cubes (one stick for each student – a stick is 10 cubes of the same
color)

Averkey

6” x 16” white or manila construction paper (12”x16” cut in half lengthwise)

pencils

crayons

http://www.best.com/~ejad/java/patterns/patterns_j.shtml

http://math.rice.edu/~lanius/Patterns/add.html

http://forum.swarthmore.edu/geometry/rugs/resources/act/classroom.html

6) Culminating Assessment:  Students will create a pattern using pattern blocks, trace and color it and describe the pattern in writing.  The teacher will use the following rubric to score the pattern developed in activity two.

Pattern Rubric  

7) Instructional Activities: 

Activity One:  (Students should have had prior experience with pattern blocks.)  Ask the students to tell what they know about patterns.  Let them share their experiences with patterns.  Ask them if they see any patterns in the classroom (bricks in the wall, a striped shirt).  Review that a pattern repeats itself.

Give everyone a stick of Unifix cubes.  Have them choose a partner, that does not have the same color cubes, and create a pattern with their cubes.  Let each pair share their pattern and describe it.

Split up have the class and place them with a pair to create a new pattern.  Again let each group share their pattern.  Let the other students try to guess the pattern.  Ask the students what would come next.  Collect the Unifix cubes.

Show students the web site http://www.best.com/~ejad/java/patterns/patterns_j.shtml Use the Averkey so all students can see the TV.   Use the pattern blocks on this page to create a pattern.  Ask the students to describe the pattern. 

Give out pattern blocks.  Instruct the students  to copy your pattern and extend it.  Walk around the room and assist as needed.

Have students clear their desks.  Tell them to create a different pattern and to repeat it twice.  Observe the students and assist as needed.

Have students go to another desk and try to figure out the pattern.  Let students describe  the different patterns that were made.  Tell students to extend the pattern out by one more set.  Have the students go to a different desk and once again try to figure out the pattern.  Discuss with the students the various patterns.  Instruct them to extend the pattern by one more set.  Have students return to their seats.  Tell them to check the blocks at their desks to see if the other students extended the original pattern correctly.  Discuss.

HOMEWORK:  Students should find 4 examples of patterns outside of school.  These should be drawn and labeled.

Activity Two:  Review yesterday’s activities.  Give out pattern blocks and paper.  Instruct students to create a pattern with the pattern blocks on their desks.  Instruct them to make at least three repetitions.  Once they have a pattern, students will trace it on the paper strip and color it.  Students will then write a description of their pattern.  Collect and assess these using the rubric.  Post the completed patterns on the school web page and in the hall.  Share these with kindergarten and first grade classes to show examples of patterns.

Close the activity by leading a discussion about how patterns are used in the real world.  Discuss how clothing, floor, and rug designers use them.  Let students share the examples they found from the previous night's homework.

Extension Activities: Use the following web sites as center activities for students:

Interactive site that allows students to create patterns using pattern blocks.  Students can print out the results.   http://www.best.com/~ejad/java/patterns/patterns_j.shtml

Interactive site that allows students to view patterns created by other students and create and post their own patterns. http://math.rice.edu/~lanius/Patterns/add.html  (Click on No Matter What Shape and then scroll down to the bottom and click on Pattern Pals.)

Teaching Ideas:  This site contains more ideas for pattern activities to use with the students. forum.swarthmore.edu/geometry/rugs/resources/act/classroom.html